May Sue Streamer
- Safiu Kehinde
Nigerian private academic institution, Babcock University, has dismissed claims of Nigerian streamer, Oderhowho Joseph Efe, popularly known as Carter Efe, who alleged graduating with a First-Class Upper from the university.
Carter Efe had on his livestream at the weekend claimed to have graduated from Babcock with the school issuing him an Honourary Certificate of First Class Upper.
Attached to a clip from the livestream was a copy of the certificate which he claimed to have received from Babcock University.
The certificate was purportedly awarded to the streamer on the 4th of May 2023 by the Babcock University Biochemistry Compute Club (BUCC).
Reacting to the claim in a statement issued on Monday, Babcock denied issuance of such certificate, labelling it fake and fraudulent.
The university management maintained that there is no such degree as First Class Upper or Honourary Certificate.
They clarified that the formally recognised certification is First Class Honours.
“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.
“For the avoidance of doubt: 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 statement partly read.
Babcock University urged members of the public to disregard the certificate paraded by Carter Efe while warning against further production and circulation of such fake document.
“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 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.
“Babcock University also reserves the right to institute appropriate civil and criminal proceedings against any individual, group, or organization that unlawfully uses or misrepresents the University’s name, logo, seal, academic credentials, or any document purporting to originate from the University without authorization.” The statement read further.
Meanwhile, the university hinted possible legal action against Carter Efe in a bid to protect its integrity.
“Accordingly, all persons responsible for the production, issuance, circulation, or use of the fraudulent certificate and any similar unauthorized documents are hereby directed to immediately cease and desist from such unlawful acts.
“The University will not hesitate to pursue all available legal remedies to protect the integrity of its academic credentials and institutional reputation.
“The public is encouraged to verify the authenticity of any Babcock University academic credential through the Office of the Registrar before relying on such documents for any official purpose.” The university stated.