Babcock University has dismissed claims by content creator Carter Efe that he graduated with a first-class degree in Biochemistry from the institution, describing the certificate he displayed online as fake.
The controversy began after the comedian, whose full name is Oderhohwo Joseph Efe, claimed during an interview with Egungun of Lagos that he completed his studies at the private university with top honours.
He later posted what he claimed was his graduation certificate on X, indicating that he graduated in 2023.
Reacting in a statement issued on Monday, the university said the document did not originate from the institution and pointed to multiple inconsistencies which, according to the school, showed it was fraudulent.
“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.
“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, unauthorized, and does not emanate from the University.”
Prompt News reports the university further explained that it does not issue honorary certificates to recognise undergraduate academic performance and also clarified that “First Class Upper” is not one of its academic classifications.
“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 institution advised employers, government agencies, professional organisations and educational institutions to disregard any academic documents bearing its name that were not issued through official channels.
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It also warned that anyone found creating, presenting or circulating forged academic records to obtain employment, admission, promotion, immigration benefits or other advantages could face investigation and prosecution under relevant laws.
In a separate message attached to its post, the university stated that legal steps had already been initiated.
“Babcock University warns public of forged certificates in circulation, including fake ‘Honorary’ ones with a non-existent ‘First Class Upper’ classification.
“We DO NOT issue such documents. ‘First Class Upper’ doesn’t exist here.
“Legal action underway.”
