Babcock University, on Monday, June 29th, denied claims by content creator Carter Efe that he obtained a “first class upper” honours in Biochemistry from the institution.
The varsity, in a statement seen by this publication, described the certificate he presented as “false, unauthorised, and fraudulent”.
The controversy began after the streamer, born Oderhohwo Joseph Efe, disclosed that he had completed his studies at a private university with top honours.
He subsequently shared what he purported to be his graduation certificate on X, listing the graduation year as 2023.
The university’s management, however, categorically denied any affiliation with the document, citing several irregularities that render it “counterfeit”.
The institution maintained that it does not issue “Honorary Certificates” to recognise undergraduate academic performance, nor does it use the classification “First Class Upper”.
“The attention of Babcock University has been drawn to the circulation of fraudulent documents by certain individuals falsely claiming to have affiliations with, and possessing honorary certificates and academic distinctions purportedly issued by the University,” the statement reads.
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“One such document is a purported “Honorary Certificate” allegedly issued by the Babcock University Biochemistry Computer Club to ODERHOHWO JOSEPH EFE for achieving a “First Class Upper”.
“Babcock University unequivocally states that this document is false, unauthorised, and does not emanate from the University.
“Babcock University does not issue ‘Honorary Certificates’ in recognition of undergraduate academic performance.
“Academic excellence, including the award of First Class Honours, is formally recognized only through the University’s official degree certificate and academic transcript issued by the Office of the Registrar.
“There is no academic classification or degree known to Babcock University as “First Class Upper”. The recognized classification is First Class Honours.”
The university asked employers, schools, government agencies, and international organisations to be cautious and to ignore any academic documents that use the university’s name without permission.
The management also strongly warned anyone who makes or shares fake credentials.
“Members of the public, employers, educational institutions, professional bodies, government agencies, and international organizations are therefore advised to disregard any such document or any similar certificate purportedly issued by Babcock University outside its established academic processes,” the statement added.
“The University further warns that any person knowingly producing, presenting, circulating, or using forged or unauthorized academic documents in an attempt to obtain employment, admission, promotion, professional recognition, immigration benefits, or any other advantage, whether within Nigeria or abroad, may be liable to investigation and prosecution by the appropriate law enforcement agencies in accordance with applicable laws relating to forgery, fraud, and the falsification of academic records.”
In the tweet’s caption, the varsity stated that it would institute legal action against the content creator.
“Babcock University warns public of forged certificates in circulation, including fake “Honorary” ones with a non-existent “First Class Upper” classification,” it reads.
“We DO NOT issue such documents. “First Class Upper” doesn’t exist here.
“Legal action underway.”
