Babcock University Dismisses 'First Class Upper' Amidst Fake Certificate Alert

Babcock University, located in Ogun State, has issued a stern warning to the public concerning fraudulent academic certificates falsely attributed to the institution. The university unequivocally stated that it does not recognize the academic classification of “First Class Upper” and cautioned that individuals involved in these forged documents risk prosecution.

The institution released this public notice on Monday via its official X account, following the discovery of several fake certificates circulating, with individuals wrongly claiming affiliation with Babcock University.

This alert from the university comes after Nigerian comedian and streamer, Oderhohwo Joseph Efe, known as Carter Efe, posted what he claimed was his Biochemistry degree certificate from Babcock University, bearing a “First Class Upper” classification. He shared this in response to social media users who had questioned his educational background.

According to the university, one of the forged documents is an alleged honorary certificate, purportedly issued by the “Babcock University Biochemistry Computer Club” to Oderhohwo Joseph Efe for achieving a “First Class Upper.”

“Babcock University unequivocally states that this document is false, unauthorised, and does not emanate from the university,” the statement read. The management further emphasized that the institution does not issue honorary certificates to acknowledge undergraduate academic performance.

To leave no room for doubt, the university declared: “For the avoidance of doubt: Babcock University does not issue ‘Honorary Certificates’ in recognition of undergraduate academic performance.” It clarified that academic excellence is recognized exclusively through official university channels.

The statement affirmed, “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.”

Babcock University also dismissed the specific classification found in the forged document, stating, “There is no academic classification or degree known to Babcock University as ‘First Class Upper’. The recognized classification is First Class Honours.”

The institution urged employers, educational bodies, professional associations, government agencies, international organizations, and the general public to disregard the fabricated document and any similar certificates allegedly issued outside the university’s established academic processes.

The statement further warned that any person who knowingly produces, presents, circulates, or uses forged or unauthorized academic documents to obtain employment, admission, promotion, professional recognition, immigration benefits, or any other advantage could face investigation and prosecution by appropriate law enforcement agencies.

Babcock University added that it retains the right to initiate civil and criminal proceedings against any individual, group, or organization 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 instructed.

It concluded by stating, “The University will not hesitate to pursue all available legal remedies to protect the integrity of its academic credentials and institutional reputation.” To safeguard the credibility of its academic records and curb the use of forged certificates, 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.