‘It’s fake’- European-American University disowns doctorate degree awarded to Hausa singer, Rarara

The European-American University has distanced itself from an honorary doctorate degree awarded to popular Hausa musician, Dauda Kahutu Rarara, declaring the title “fake” and unauthorized.

Rarara was honoured during a ceremony at Nicon Luxury Hotel, Abuja, on Saturday, an event graced by notable figures including Katsina State Governor, Dikko Radda.

The award was presented by individuals who posed as officials of the institution.

However, the university has publicly denied any involvement. In a statement released on its website, it emphasized that neither Rarara nor the supposed representatives had legitimate ties to the school.

“Disclaimer – Fake ‘convocation’ in Nigeria – the University has NOT conferred an honorary degree on Dauda Kahutu Rarara,” the notice read.

“European-American University has today been informed of an article in the Nigerian press that states falsely that the University has held a convocation today at NICON Luxury Hotel, Abuja, Nigeria. The same incorrect information has been repeated in other Nigerian press articles.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 further clarified that Rarara and three others were not recipients of any honorary doctorate from the institution, stressing that authentic graduates are listed in its official register.

The university also disowned individuals named in reports as its supposed representatives, including Musari Audu Isyaku and Idris Aliyu, describing their claims of affiliation as “false.”

The institution recalled that earlier this year parted ways with its former Vice Chancellor, Dr. Josephine Egbuta, reiterating that she no longer had the mandate to represent the university. It added that the current Vice Chancellor remains Professor Luca Scotto di Tella de’ Douglas di Castel di Ripa.

The university also corrected misinformation about its legal standing, clarifying that it is currently a non-profit private institution based in France, with a Royal Charter of Incorporation from the Kingdom of Bunyoro-Kitara in Uganda.

Concluding its statement, the school vowed to pursue legal action in Nigeria to halt the circulation of fraudulent certificates and bring those responsible to justice.