The European-American University (EAU) has publicly disowned an honorary doctorate purportedly awarded to popular Hausa musician Dauda Rarara Kahutu and several others during a ceremony in Abuja, labeling the event a “complete fraud.”
The event, held Saturday at the Nicon Luxury Hotel, was attended by dignitaries including Katsina State Governor Dikko Radda. During the ceremony, individuals posing as EAU representatives conferred degrees on Rarara, Alhaji Ahmed Saleh jnr., Mustapha Abdullahi Bujawa, and Tarela Boroh.
In a statement posted on its website, the university clarified that it had no knowledge of or involvement in the event. The EAU explicitly stated that it had not authorized any such ceremony and that the individuals involved had deceived attendees into believing they represented the institution.
According to the university’s statement, the named recipients are not its honorands and have no legitimate connection to the institution. The EAU also stated it has revoked the fellowship of Idris Aliyu, who was cited as a “governing council member” at the event, due to his role in the “fraudulent activity.” The university noted that it does not have a governing council.
The EAU’s statement also corrected several false claims about its structure and location. It confirmed that its current vice chancellor is Luca Scotto di Tella de’ Douglas di Castel di Ripa, not the former vice chancellor, Josephine Egbuta. The university also clarified that it is legally registered in France and holds a Royal Charter from the Kingdom of Bunyoro-Kitara in Uganda, not Dominica or Panama, as was falsely claimed.
The university concluded by stating its intention to contact Nigerian authorities to take legal action against the organizers behind the “issuing of fake University certificates.”
