Babcock University has dismissed a viral certificate circulating on social media, describing it as fake and stressing that it does not recognise any academic classification called "First Class Upper."
In a public notice shared on its official X account on Monday, the university said it uncovered fraudulent academic documents falsely linked to the institution and warned the public against accepting them as genuine.
The clarification comes after social media personality Oderhohwo Joseph Efe, popularly known as Carter Efe, shared what he claimed was a Babcock University Biochemistry certificate bearing the classification "First Class Upper" following questions about his academic qualifications.
According to the university, one of the forged documents is an alleged honorary certificate from the "Babcock University Biochemistry Computer Club," purportedly awarded to Carter Efe for achieving a "First Class Upper."
Babcock said the document did not originate from the institution and described it as false and unauthorised.
The university explained that it does not issue honorary certificates to recognise undergraduate academic performance. It added that academic achievements, including First Class Honours, are recognised only through official degree certificates and academic transcripts issued by the Office of the Registrar.
It also clarified that "First Class Upper" is not one of its recognised degree classifications.
"There is no academic classification or degree known to Babcock University as 'First Class Upper'. The recognised classification is First Class Honours," the university stated.
The institution urged employers, educational institutions, professional bodies, government agencies and members of the public to disregard the forged document and any similar certificates.
Babcock warned that anyone who produces, presents or uses fake certificates for employment, admission, immigration or any other purpose could face investigation and prosecution.
The university also said it would take civil and criminal action against anyone found misusing its name, logo, seal or academic documents.
It advised members of the public to verify any Babcock University credential directly with the Office of the Registrar before relying on it.
