Babcock University has disowned a certificate circulated by popular content creator, Carter Efe, after he claimed to have graduated from the institution with a “first class upper” in Biochemistry.

The university, in a statement released on Monday, described the document as false, unauthorised and fraudulent, insisting that it did not emanate from the institution.

The controversy began after Carter Efe, whose real name is Oderhohwo Joseph Efe, claimed during an interview with Egungun of Lagos that he studied Biochemistry at Babcock University and graduated with top honours.

He later shared on X what he claimed to be his graduation certificate, with the document indicating 2023 as the year of graduation.

Reacting to the development, Babcock University said the document contained several irregularities which clearly showed that it was not issued by the institution.

According to the university, it does not issue “honorary certificates” to recognise undergraduate academic performance, neither does it use the academic classification “first class upper.”

The institution explained that academic excellence, including the award of First Class Honours, is recognised only through official degree certificates and academic transcripts issued by the Office of the Registrar.

“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 read.

It added that one of such documents was 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, unauthorised, and does not emanate from the University,” the management said.

The university further stated that there is no academic classification or degree known to it as “First Class Upper,” stressing that the recognised classification is “First Class Honours.”

It said, “Babcock University does not issue ‘Honorary Certificates’ in recognition of undergraduate academic performance.

“Academic excellence, including the award of First Class Honours, is formally recognised 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 recognised classification is First Class Honours.”

The university advised members of the public, employers, educational institutions, professional bodies, government agencies and international organisations to disregard any certificate purportedly issued in its name outside its established academic processes.

It also warned that anyone involved in producing, presenting, circulating or using forged or unauthorised academic documents to secure employment, admission, promotion, professional recognition, immigration benefits or any other advantage may face investigation and prosecution by law enforcement agencies.

In a caption accompanying the statement on X, the university said it had commenced legal action over the matter.

“Babcock University warns public of forged certificates in circulation, including fake ‘Honorary’ ones with a non-existent ‘First Class Upper’ classification,” it stated.

“We do not issue such documents. ‘First Class Upper’ doesn’t exist here. Legal action underway.”

The development has since sparked reactions online, with many users questioning the authenticity of the certificate and the circumstances surrounding its circulation.

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