Babcock University in Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State, has publicly denounced the circulation of a fraudulent "Honorary Certificate" supposedly awarded to Nigerian comedian and content creator Oderhohwo Joseph Efe, better known as Carter Efe. In a detailed statement released on Monday, the university confirmed that the document is entirely fabricated and not affiliated with the institution. It emphasized that the certificate bears significant errors, including references to non-existent entities and incorrect academic classifications. The university has initiated legal measures to trace the origin of the forgery and has issued stern warnings to the public and organizations against accepting or utilizing the document.
The controversy originated in September 2025, when Carter Efe, during a live-streamed session, asserted that he had graduated from Babcock University with first-class honors in Biochemistry. He made this claim in response to critics questioning his educational background. At the time, many viewed the assertion as part of his comedic persona or an exaggeration meant for entertainment. However, the situation resurfaced in June 2026 when a counterfeit certificate surfaced online, seemingly validating his claims.
The forged document, which included the university's name, logo, and seal, presented Efe as having received an "Honorary Certificate" from the "Babcock University Biochemistry Computer Club." This entity, according to the university, does not exist. Furthermore, the certificate inaccurately combined elements from two distinct academic divisions: the Benjamin S. Carson (Snr) College of Health and Medical Sciences, which oversees Biochemistry, and the School of Computing and Engineering Sciences, home to the Computer Club. Such a merger is not recognized within the university structure.
Another critical error identified by the university is the mention of "First Class Upper," a classification that does not align with its academic standards. The correct designation, as stated by the institution, is "First Class Honours." The university clarified that no honorary certificates are issued for undergraduate achievements and that such distinctions must be officially documented through the Office of the Registrar.
Babcock University has expressed grave concern over the misuse of its name, logo, and academic credentials. It has warned that individuals involved in the creation or dissemination of these forged documents could face both civil and criminal consequences. The university highlighted that using such documents for job applications, admissions, promotions, or immigration processes constitutes a severe offense. It urged all stakeholders—employers, educational institutions, and the general public—to authenticate academic credentials directly with the university rather than relying on third-party documents.
The university's statement reiterated its commitment to safeguarding the integrity of its academic records and institutional reputation. It called upon everyone to refrain from engaging with or endorsing the fraudulent certificate and any similar unauthorized documents. Additionally, it instructed those responsible for the production or distribution of the certificate to halt their activities immediately and face potential legal repercussions.
As the situation unfolds, the university remains vigilant and proactive in addressing the issue. It continues to emphasize the importance of verifying academic credentials through official channels to prevent the proliferation of such forgeries. The incident underscores the broader challenge of academic credential fraud and highlights the need for heightened awareness among the public and institutions regarding the verification of educational qualifications.
2 reports
Premium Times NigeriaIndependentCenterFactual 95Objective 905 days agoBabcock University in Ogun State, Nigeria, has denied issuing an honorary certificate falsely attributed to comedian Carter Efe, claiming it is a forgery. The university stated the document contains errors, including references to non-existent entities like the 'Babcock University Biochemistry Computer Club' and incorrect academic classifications such as 'First Class Upper,' which do not align with the university's recognized grading system. The university emphasized that only official certificates from its registrar's office are valid and warned against using or sharing the fake document, stating it could lead to legal consequences. The controversy arose after Carter Efe claimed to have graduated with first-class honors in biochemistry from the university during a live stream in 2025, a claim that initially seemed humorous but resurfaced with the circulation of the forged certificate in 2026.
Bias read (Center): The article reports on a university's response to a forged certificate involving a private individual. While the university's actions relate to institutional integrity and potential legal implications, the story does not involve direct political actors, policies, or partisan issues. The framing is f
Why these scores (Factual 95 · Objective 90): High factual accuracy with detailed description of the fake certificate's errors and the university's response. The article provides specific dates and quotes from Carter Efe's livestream. The objectivity is strong, presenting facts without overt bias.
The PunchIndependentCenterFactual 94Objective 895 days agoBabcock University in Nigeria has issued a public warning against the circulation of fake academic certificates falsely attributed to the institution. The university specifically denied recognizing the 'First Class Upper' classification, which appeared on a forged certificate shared by Nigerian comedian and streamer Oderhohwo Joseph Efe, also known as Carter Efe. The university clarified that it does not issue honorary certificates for undergraduate achievements and emphasized that academic excellence is officially recognized only through its formal degree certificates and transcripts. It urged employers, institutions, and the public to disregard such forged documents and warned that those involved in producing or using them could face legal consequences.
Bias read (Center): The article focuses on an educational institution addressing academic fraud, with no direct political implications or partisan framing. The content is factual and neutral, focusing on clarifying institutional policies and warning against forgery.
Why these scores (Factual 94 · Objective 89): Accurate reporting of the university's denial of the 'First Class Upper' classification and the existence of the fake certificate. The article includes relevant details about the nature of the forgery and the university's stance. Objectivity is maintained with minimal editorializing.
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