Babcock University vows legal action over Carter Efe’s alleged fake ‘first class’ degree
Babcock University has refuted claims made by content creator Carter Efe that he obtained a “first class upper” honours in Biochemistry from the institution.
In a statement released on Monday, the varsity described the certificate he presented as “false, unauthorised, and fraudulent”.
The controversy began when the online comedian, born Oderhohwo Joseph Efe, stated in an interview with Egungun of Lagos that he had completed his studies at the private university with top honors.
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, pointing to several irregularities that expose it as “counterfeit”.
The institution highlighted 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.
“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.
“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 urged employers, educational institutions, government agencies, and international organisations to exercise vigilance and disregard any unauthorised academic documents bearing the institution’s name.
The management also issued a stern warning to individuals involved in the production or circulation of forged 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 caption of the tweet, the varsity stated that it was going to 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.”
