The European-American University has disowned a purported honorary doctorate degree allegedly awarded to popular Hausa musician Dauda Kahutu Rarara, describing the certificate as fake.
The degree was reportedly conferred at a ceremony held on Saturday at Nicon Luxury Hotel, Abuja, which was attended by prominent figures including the Governor of Katsina State, Dikko Radda. The organisers of the event claimed to represent the university.
However, the university issued a statement on its official website denying any authorisation of the convocation or the conferment of honorary degrees to Rarara or other recipients such as Alhaji Ahmed Saleh Jr., Mustapha Abdullahi Bujawa, and Tarela Boroh.
“The University has not authorized any convocation to be held in this location today, and this event has been organized fraudulently without the knowledge or consent of the University,” the statement declared.
The institution also exposed individuals who posed as its officials during the event, naming Musari Audu Isyaku, who claimed to be the Northern Nigeria representative, and Idris Aliyu, who falsely presented himself as a member of the university’s governing council. The university emphasised it currently has no governing council and revoked Mr Aliyu’s previous fellowship due to his involvement in the alleged fraud.
Clarifying its leadership, the university confirmed that its current Vice-Chancellor is Professor Luca Scotto di Tella de’ Douglas di Castel di Ripa, not Dr Josephine Egbuta, a former Vice-Chancellor dismissed earlier this year.
The statement also refuted claims that the university is based in Dominica and Panama, confirming it is legally registered in France and holds a Royal Charter of Incorporation from the Kingdom of Bunyoro-Kitara in Uganda.
The European-American University said it would liaise with Nigerian authorities to ensure appropriate action is taken against those responsible for the fraudulent ceremony.
