Babcock University has dismissed claims by comedian and content creator Oderhohwo Joseph Efe, popularly known as Carter Efe, that he graduated from the institution with a First Class degree in Biochemistry, describing a certificate circulating in his name as fake.

The university, in a statement, said the document shared by the entertainer did not originate from the institution and contained several inconsistencies with its academic certification process.

The controversy began after Carter Efe claimed during an interview that he studied Biochemistry at Babcock University and graduated with what he described as a “first class upper.” He subsequently posted a document online, dated 2023, which he presented as his graduation certificate.

Reacting to the development, the university categorically disowned the certificate, insisting that it neither issued nor recognised the document.

“Babcock University unequivocally states that this document is false, unauthorized, and does not emanate from the University,” the statement read.

The institution explained that it does not issue honorary certificates to recognise undergraduate academic performance, noting that outstanding academic achievements are reflected only in officially issued degree certificates and academic transcripts.

“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,” the university stated.

The school also faulted the terminology used in the purported certificate, stressing that it has no academic classification known as “First Class Upper.”

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

Warning the public against forged academic documents, the university disclosed that legal steps had been initiated over the circulation of the alleged fake certificate.

“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 is underway,” the statement concluded.

Neither Carter Efe nor his representatives had publicly responded to the university’s statement as of the time of filing this report.