Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State, has declared war on certificate fraud, publicly disowning a graduation certificate presented by popular content creator and comedian Carter Efe and threatening both civil and criminal legal action against him. In a statement released on Monday, June 29, 2026, the university described the document as “false, unauthorised, and fraudulent” and confirmed that it did not originate from the institution.
The controversy erupted after Carter Efe, whose real name is Oderhohwo Joseph Efe, claimed in an interview with content creator Egungun of Lagos that he had graduated from Babcock University with top honours in Biochemistry. He later shared what he described as his graduation certificate on his X account, indicating that he graduated in 2023. The certificate in question was a purported “Honorary Certificate” allegedly issued by the “Babcock University Biochemistry Computer Club” to Efe for achieving a “First Class Upper”.
However, Babcock University swiftly dismissed the claim, pointing out several glaring inconsistencies in the document. The university stated that the “Babcock University Biochemistry Computer Club” listed on the certificate does not exist. According to the institution, Biochemistry is part of the Benjamin S. Carson (Snr) College of Health and Medical Sciences, while the Computer Club operates separately within the School of Computing and Engineering Sciences. The university also clarified that it does not issue honorary certificates to recognise undergraduate academic performance. Academic excellence, including First Class Honours, is recognised only through official degree certificates and academic transcripts issued by the Office of the Registrar.
Perhaps the most significant revelation was the university’s clarification that the academic classification “First Class Upper” does not exist at Babcock University. “There is no academic classification or degree known to Babcock University as ‘First Class Upper’. The recognised classification is First Class Honours,” the statement read. The university warned that anyone found producing, circulating, presenting, or using forged academic documents could face investigation and prosecution under applicable laws relating to forgery, fraud, and the falsification of academic records.
In a post on its official X account, the university reiterated its position: “Fraud Alert. Babcock University warns the public of forged certificates in circulation, including fake ‘Honorary’ ones with a non-existent ‘First Class Upper’ classification. We DO NOT issue such documents. ‘First Class Upper’ doesn’t exist here. Legal action underway”.
Babcock University further warned employers, educational institutions, professional bodies, government agencies, and members of the public to disregard any such document purportedly issued outside its established academic processes. It urged the public to verify the authenticity of any Babcock University certificate through the Office of the Registrar before relying on it for official purposes.
In a characteristically unrepentant response, Carter Efe reacted to the university’s legal threat with a mix of defiance and humour. In a post on his X account, he challenged the institution, saying he would not show up in court unless they paid his ₦100,000 flight ticket. The comedian had previously boasted about his academic achievement during a live stream in September 2025, claiming: “I went to Babcock University and graduated with first-class honours. Go and ask. I studied Biochemistry. I was the best in my set”. At the time, many dismissed his claim as part of his online persona, but the controversy resurfaced in June 2026 with the circulation of the fake certificate.
This incident has reignited debates about certificate fraud and the ease with which fake academic credentials can be circulated on social media in Nigeria. For Babcock University, the matter is not just about protecting its reputation but also about upholding the integrity of the nation’s academic system.
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