The Kano state governor, Umar Ganduje, has received apology from the East Carolina University over a fake professorial appointment letter sent to him by a staff of the university.
A faculty staff of the East Carolina University, Victor Mbarika, had on November 30, sent the appointment letter to Ganduje without the authorisation of the university.
According to a Premium Times report, Mbarika is a lecturer at the International Center for IT and Development at East Carolina University College of Business.
The newspaper quoted Mbarika’s letter letter as saying that: “Ganduje’s choice is a depiction of close monitoring of his achievements as a governor in the last couple of years which eventually earned him global recognition and commendation.
“You have been a source of motivation to the Nigerian youths both at home and in the diaspora at large. We are amazed at your accomplishments both as the Executive Governor of Kano State, Nigeria, Fellow National Association of Educational Administration and Planning, Nigeria, and your investment in Human Capital Development,” the fake appointment letter reads.
A Premium Times email to the school seeking clarification of the appointment of Ganduje as professor later proved that the whole thing was a hoax.
Ganduje has also asked for apology from the institution for embarrassing him with the fake appointment, something he had celebrated.
The East Carolina University has apologised to Ganduje and disowning Mbarika saying he had no authority to make such an appointment.
“I must inform you that the letter you received from Dr. Victor Mbarika, on November 30, 2020 does not convey an authorized offer of appointment or establish any position of scholar or professor at East Carolina University (“ECU”).
“Only the Chancellor, myself, or another official identified in ECU’s published statement on Delegation of Contracting Authority for the Division of Academic Affairs may authorize or sign appointment letters under which faculty are employed. Dr. Mbarika is not such an official,” the letter to Ganduje reads.