Babcock Distances Self From Fake Certificates Issuance, Renounces First Class Upper
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,” warning that those behind the forged documents risk prosecution.
The university issued the warning in a public notice released on Monday and shared on its official X account 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.”
Cater Efe’s certificate. Photo credit: Yabaleftonline
“Babcock University unequivocally states that this document is false, unauthorised, and does not emanate from the university,” the statement read.
The management stressed that the institution does not issue honorary certificates to recognise undergraduate academic performance.
“For the avoidance of doubt: Babcock University does not issue ‘Honorary Certificates’ in recognition of undergraduate academic performance,” it said.
It explained that academic excellence is recognised only through official university channels, stating, “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.”
The university also dismissed the classification contained in the forged document, saying, “There is no academic classification or degree known to Babcock University as ‘First Class Upper’. The recognized 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.
“Accordingly, all persons responsible for the production, issuance, circulation, or use of the fraudulent certificate and any similar unauthorised documents are hereby directed to immediately cease and desist from such unlawful acts,” the statement said.
It added, “The University will 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, saying the measure is necessary to protect the credibility of its academic records and curb the use of forged certificates.
