Babcock University has rejected content creator Carter Efe’s claim that he graduated with a “first class upper” in Biochemistry. The university also said it would sue him after calling the certificate he shared online fake.

The issue began after Carter Efe, born Oderhohwo Joseph Efe, told Egungun of Lagos that he graduated from the private university with top honours. He later shared what he claimed was his 2023 graduation certificate on X.

On Monday, Babcock said the document was fake. It added that the certificate did not come from the university.

“The attention of Babcock University has been drawn to the circulation of fraudulent documents by certain individuals falsely claiming to have affiliations with, and possessing honorary certificates and academic distinctions purportedly issued by the University,” the statement reads.

“One such document is a purported “Honorary Certificate” allegedly 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.”

University explains its grading system

The university said it does not issue honorary certificates for undergraduate performance. It also said the term “first class upper” does not exist in its grading system.

“Babcock University does not issue ‘Honorary Certificates’ in recognition of undergraduate academic performance.

“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.

“There is no academic classification or degree known to Babcock University as ‘First Class Upper’. The recognised classification is First Class Honours.”

Legal action underway

Babcock urged employers, schools, government agencies and international organisations to ignore unauthorised documents bearing its name. It warned that anyone who uses or shares forged academic records could face investigation and prosecution.

The university also repeated its warning in a post on X. It confirmed that legal action had started.

“Babcock University warns public of forged certificates in circulation, including fake ‘Honorary’ ones with a non-existent ‘First Class Upper’ classification,” it reads.

“We DO NOT issue such documents. “First Class Upper” doesn’t exist here.

“Legal action underway.”