The European-American University (EAU) has denied awarding an honorary doctorate degree to a popular Hausa musician Dauda Kahutu Rarara, describing the ceremony held in Abuja as a “complete fraud.”
The event, which took place on Saturday at the Nicon Luxury Hotel, was attended by dignitaries, including Katsina State governor, Dikko Radda. At the gathering, Rarara and several others were conferred with purported honorary degrees by individuals who presented themselves as EAU representatives.
In a strongly worded statement published on its website, the institution dissociated itself from the convocation, stressing that it neither authorised nor recognised the awards.
“The University has not authorised any convocation to be held in this location today, and this event has been organised fraudulently without the knowledge or consent of the University,” the statement read.
The university accused the organisers of deceiving attendees into believing they had the authority to act on behalf of the institution.
“The persons organising this event appear to have deceived others into believing they represented European-American University, but this was entirely false and they had no authority to do so, nor to take money on behalf of the University,” it added.
EAU categorically denied conferring honorary degrees on Rarara, an APC praise singer; Alhaji Ahmed Saleh Jnr.; Mustapha Abdullahi Bujawa, and Tarela Boroh.
“European-American University has not conferred any honorary doctorate degrees upon Dauda Kahutu Rarara, Alhaji Ahmed Saleh jnr., Mustapha Abdullahi Bujawa and Tarela Boroh. All holders of degrees from the University are listed in the Register of Graduates… These individuals are not honorands of the University and have no legitimate connection with us,” the university said.
The institution also disowned claims linking several individuals to its leadership structure.
“The name of Musari Audu Isyaku is cited as ‘Northern Nigeria representative of the institution’. This person has no authority to represent European-American University and this statement is false,” the statement clarified.
Similarly, EAU revoked the fellowship of Idris Aliyu, who was cited in reports as a governing council member.
“Idris Aliyu is not a member of the University’s governing body – there is no ‘Governing Council’ – and has no authority to represent the University’s Vice Chancellor… This appointment has been revoked with immediate effect for his involvement with this fraudulent activity,” the university announced.
The university also reaffirmed the status of its leadership.
“In April this year, the University published a Notice stating that the former Vice-Chancellor of the University, Dr Mrs Josephine Egbuta, who had been dismissed from her position for cause, was no longer in any way authorized to represent the University. The current Vice-Chancellor of the University is Professor Luca Scotto di Tella de’ Douglas di Castel di Ripa,” the institution said.
Addressing confusion about its legal standing, EAU explained that contrary to claims of being based in Dominica or Panama, it is currently registered in France.
“The article states that European-American University is in both Dominica and Panama. This is false and refers to expired past authorities of the University that were never concurrent. The University is currently established as a nonprofit private institution of higher education in France and also holds a Royal Charter of Incorporation from the Kingdom of Bunyoro-Kitara (in Uganda),” the statement noted.
The institution vowed to pursue legal action against those behind the Abuja ceremony.
“The University will be contacting the legal authorities in Nigeria to stop the issuing of fake University certificates by the individuals behind this fraudulent activity, who should face the full force of the law.”
