The European-American University has distanced itself from the honorary doctorate degree awarded to popular Hausa musician, Dauda Kahutu Rarara, describing the conferment as fake.
Rarara was decorated with the degree at a ceremony held on Saturday at Nicon Luxury Hotel, Abuja, an event graced by dignitaries including the Katsina State Governor, Dikko Radda. The award was reportedly conferred by individuals who claimed to be representatives of the institution.
However, in a statement released on its official website on September 20, 2025, the university debunked the claim, clarifying that no convocation was held in Nigeria. It described the event as “fraudulently organized without the knowledge or consent of the University.”
“The persons organizing 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,” the statement read.
The university further emphasized that it has not conferred any honorary doctorate degree on Rarara, Alhaji Ahmed Saleh Jnr., Mustapha Abdullahi Bujawa, or Tarela Boroh. It also disowned Musari Audu Isyaku, who claimed to be its Northern Nigeria representative, and revoked the Fellowship of Aliyu Idris, who had falsely paraded himself as a governing council member.
It also reminded the public that its former Vice Chancellor, Dr. Josephine Egbuta, dismissed earlier for cause, no longer has the authority to represent the institution. “The current Vice-Chancellor of the University is Professor Luca Scotto di Tella de’ Douglas di Castel di Ripa,” the statement added.
Meanwhile, the controversy has sparked heated debate. Some commentators argue that since honorary doctorate degrees are largely symbolic, Rarara should still be recognized as “Doctor,” given his influence and contributions to Hausa music.
Others insist that the award is fraudulent and undermines the credibility of genuine academic honors. They shared their views on social media, stressing that allowing such false claims to stand would only encourage the growing trend of degree racketeering in Nigeria.
However, the university has vowed to work with Nigerian authorities to track down those responsible for the “fake convocation” and ensure they face justice.
