The European-American University (EAU) has officially refuted claims that it awarded an honorary doctorate to the renowned Hausa artist Dauda Kahutu Rarara, labeling the Abuja event as a “complete scam.”
The ceremony, held on Saturday at the Nicon Luxury Hotel, drew notable figures including Katsina State Governor Dikko Radda. During the event, Rarara and several others were reportedly granted honorary degrees by individuals claiming to represent EAU.
In a firm declaration posted on its official website, the university distanced itself entirely from the convocation, emphasizing that it neither authorized nor endorsed the conferral of any degrees at the event.
“The University did not sanction any convocation at this venue today; this gathering was orchestrated deceitfully without the University’s knowledge or approval,” the statement asserted.
EAU accused the event organizers of misleading attendees into believing they had legitimate authority to act on the university’s behalf.
“Those responsible for organizing this event misrepresented themselves as representatives of European-American University, which is completely untrue. They had no mandate to do so or to collect funds in the University’s name,” the statement added.
The university explicitly denied awarding honorary doctorates to Rarara, an APC-affiliated praise singer, as well as to Alhaji Ahmed Saleh Jnr., Mustapha Abdullahi Bujawa, and Tarela Boroh.
“European-American University has not bestowed any honorary doctorate degrees upon Dauda Kahutu Rarara, Alhaji Ahmed Saleh Jnr., Mustapha Abdullahi Bujawa, or Tarela Boroh. All legitimate degree holders are recorded in the University’s Register of Graduates. These individuals have no official affiliation with the University,” the institution clarified.
Furthermore, the university rejected assertions connecting certain individuals to its administrative hierarchy.
“Musari Audu Isyaku is falsely identified as the ‘Northern Nigeria representative’ of the University. This individual holds no authority to represent European-American University, and such claims are baseless,” the statement explained.
In addition, EAU revoked the fellowship of Idris Aliyu, who was mentioned in media reports as a member of the governing council.
“Idris Aliyu is not part of the University’s governing body-indeed, no such ‘Governing Council’ exists-and he lacks any authority to act on behalf of the Vice Chancellor. His appointment has been terminated immediately due to his involvement in this fraudulent scheme,” the university announced.
The institution also reaffirmed the legitimacy of its current leadership.
“In April, the University issued a notice confirming that Dr. Mrs. Josephine Egbuta, the former Vice-Chancellor dismissed for cause, is no longer authorized to represent the University. The present Vice-Chancellor is Professor Luca Scotto di Tella de’ Douglas di Castel di Ripa,” the statement confirmed.
Addressing misconceptions about its legal domicile, EAU clarified that, contrary to reports placing it in Dominica or Panama, it is presently registered in France.
“Claims that European-American University operates in Dominica and Panama are inaccurate and refer to outdated, non-overlapping authorizations. The University is currently established as a nonprofit private higher education institution in France and also holds a Royal Charter of Incorporation from the Kingdom of Bunyoro-Kitara in Uganda,” the statement detailed.
The university pledged to take legal measures against those responsible for the fraudulent Abuja event.
“We will engage Nigerian legal authorities to halt the distribution of counterfeit University certificates by the perpetrators of this scam, who must be held accountable under the law,” the institution vowed.
