Babcock University has dismissed as fake a graduation certificate shared online by comedian and content creator Carter Efe, saying the document was never issued by the institution.
The university’s reaction comes after Carter Efe posted what he claimed was his Babcock University certificate while trying to distance himself from the ongoing “Olodo Uprising” debate on social media.
In a post shared online, Carter Efe claimed he studied Biochemistry at Babcock University, graduated with a First Class, and was the best student in his set. His post quickly went viral, with many social media users asking him to provide graduation photos and other evidence to support the claim.
The controversy is linked to the trending “Olodo Uprising” conversation, which began after rapper Ycee criticised what he described as the growing celebration of ignorance and viral internet culture in Nigeria. During an appearance on the Afropolitan Podcast, Ycee said Nigeria had moved from a “Yahoo culture” to a “Peller culture,” using popular streamer Peller as an example of social media fame overshadowing academic excellence. His comments sparked widespread debate online, with supporters and critics divided over whether he was attacking content creators or raising concerns about anti-intellectualism.
Apparently reacting to the debate, Carter Efe attempted to prove his academic credentials by posting the alleged certificate, insisting that he attended Babcock University and graduated with a First Class.
However, in a public statement released on its official social media pages on Monday, Babcock University described the certificate as fraudulent and warned the public against relying on it.
According to the university, the document did not originate from the institution and was never authorised by its management.
The university stated that it does not issue “Honorary Certificates” to recognise undergraduate academic performance and clarified that academic excellence is recognised only through official degree certificates and academic transcripts issued by the Office of the Registrar.
It also noted that there is no academic classification known as “First Class Upper” at Babcock University, explaining that the correct classification is “First Class Honours.”
The institution urged employers, educational institutions, professional bodies, government agencies and members of the public to disregard the certificate and any similar documents presented as official Babcock University credentials.
Babcock further warned that anyone found producing, using or circulating forged academic documents could face investigation and prosecution under relevant laws on forgery and fraud.
The university also reserved the right to take legal action against anyone who unlawfully uses its name, logo, seal or academic credentials without authorisation.
Management advised anyone seeking to verify Babcock University certificates to do so through the Office of the Registrar before relying on such documents for official purposes.
