Babcock University Warns Against Fake Certificates, Disowns “First Class Upper” Claims

(Carter Efe. Photo Credit; Esegbona Luis)

Babcock University, Ogun State, has warned the public against fraudulent academic certificates falsely attributed to the institution, declaring that it does not recognise the classification "First Class Upper," and warning that those behind the forged documents risk prosecution.

The university issued the warning in a public notice released on Monday and shared online after discovering the circulation of fake certificates by individuals falsely claiming affiliation with the institution.

The warning comes after Nigerian comedian and streamer Oderhohwo Joseph Efe, also known as Carter Efe, shared what he claimed was his Babcock University Biochemistry degree certificate bearing the classification "First Class Upper," in response to social media users who had questioned his educational background.

According to the university, one of the forged documents is a purported honorary certificate allegedly issued by the "Babcock University Biochemistry Computer Club" to one Oderhohwo Joseph Efe for achieving a "First Class Upper."

The university unequivocally stated that this document is false, unauthorised, and does not emanate from the institution.

Management stressed that the institution does not issue honorary certificates to recognise undergraduate academic performance, clarifying that, for the avoidance of doubt, Babcock University does not issue such certificates in recognition of undergraduate academic performance.

It explained that academic excellence is recognised only through official university channels, noting that 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.

The university also dismissed the classification contained in the forged document, stating that there is no academic classification or degree known to Babcock University as "First Class Upper," and that the recognised classification is First Class Honours.

It urged employers, educational institutions, professional bodies, government agencies, international organisations and members of the public to disregard the forged document and any similar certificates purportedly issued outside the university's established academic processes.

The statement further warned that anyone who knowingly produces, presents, circulates or uses forged or unauthorised academic documents to obtain employment, admission, promotion, professional recognition, immigration benefits or any other advantage could be investigated and prosecuted by the appropriate law enforcement agencies.

The university added that it reserved the right to institute civil and criminal proceedings against any individual, group or organisation that unlawfully uses or misrepresents its name, logo, seal, academic credentials or documents, directing all persons responsible for the production, issuance, circulation or use of the fraudulent certificate and any similar unauthorised documents to immediately cease and desist from such unlawful acts.

It added that the university would not hesitate to pursue all available legal remedies to protect the integrity of its academic credentials and institutional reputation.

The institution encouraged members of the public to verify the authenticity of any Babcock University academic credential through the Office of the Registrar before relying on such documents for official purposes, stating that the measure is necessary to protect the credibility of its academic records and curb the use of forged certificates.