Babcock University has dismissed a viral academic certificate linked to Nigerian comedian and content creator Carter Efe, declaring that the document is fake and was never issued by the institution.
In a public notice released on Monday, the university said it had become aware of fraudulent certificates circulating online in its name and warned members of the public against accepting or relying on such documents.
The institution specifically referenced an “Honorary Certificate” purportedly awarded by the “Babcock University Biochemistry Computer Club” to Oderhohwo Joseph Efe, popularly known as Carter Efe, for earning a “First Class Upper.”
According to the university, the certificate is unauthorized and did not originate from any recognized office or academic body within the institution.
Babcock University clarified that it does not issue honorary certificates to recognize undergraduate academic performance.
The university also stated that the academic classification “First Class Upper” does not exist in its grading system.
Instead, the institution said the correct classification is “First Class Honours,” which is awarded only through official degree certificates and academic transcripts issued by the Office of the Registrar.
The university does not recognize any academic classification known as ‘First Class Upper,’ the notice stated.
Babcock University urged employers, educational institutions, government agencies, professional bodies and members of the public to disregard any certificate purportedly issued outside its official academic processes.
It advised organizations to verify all academic credentials directly through the Office of the Registrar before accepting them for employment, admissions or other official purposes.
The institution warned that anyone involved in producing, circulating, presenting or using forged academic documents could face investigation and prosecution under Nigeria’s laws relating to forgery, fraud and the falsification of academic records.
The university said it remains committed to protecting the integrity of its academic qualifications and preserving public confidence in its certification process.
The clarification comes after the purported certificate linked to Carter Efe circulated widely on social media, sparking debate over its authenticity before the university publicly declared it fraudulent.
