The European-American University has disowned an honorary doctorate degree recently conferred on popular Hausa musician, Dauda Kahutu Rarara, describing the award and the ceremony held in Abuja as fraudulent.

Rarara was honoured on Saturday, 20 September, at a purported convocation ceremony at the Nicon Luxury Hotel, Abuja. The event, which attracted dignitaries including Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda, was conducted by persons who claimed to represent the university.

However, in a statement released on its official website, the institution denied any involvement in the ceremony and disowned both Rarara and others who allegedly received similar awards.

“European-American University has not conferred any honorary doctorate degrees upon Dauda Kahutu Rarara, Alhaji Ahmed Saleh Jnr., Mustapha Abdullahi Bujawa, and Tarela Boroh. These individuals are not honorands of the University and have no legitimate connection with us,” the statement read.

The university further clarified that it had not authorised any convocation in Nigeria and described the event as a fraudulent activity carried out without its consent.

The statement also dismissed the claims of Musari Audu Isyaku, who was introduced as the “Northern Nigeria representative” of the institution, insisting that he has no authority to act on behalf of the university.

Similarly, it disowned Idris Aliyu, who reportedly represented the Vice Chancellor at the Abuja ceremony. While confirming that Aliyu was once appointed a Fellow of the university in 2024, it said the appointment has now been revoked due to his involvement in the alleged scam.

The institution recalled that in April it had already warned that its former Vice Chancellor, Dr. Josephine Egbuta, dismissed for misconduct, was no longer authorised to represent the university in any capacity. It reaffirmed that its current Vice Chancellor is Professor Luca Scotto di Tella de’ Douglas di Castel di Ripa.

Clarifying its status, the university stated that it is legally established in France as a nonprofit private institution of higher education and also holds a Royal Charter of Incorporation from the Kingdom of Bunyoro-Kitara in Uganda. It dismissed claims that it operates in Dominica and Panama as false.

The university said it would engage Nigerian authorities to curb the spread of fake certificates and ensure those behind the Abuja event face the law.