Babcock University has initiated legal proceedings against Nigerian content creator and streamer Carter Efe over claims that he graduated from the private university with a First-Class Upper degree in Biochemistry.
The university, in a public statement released on Sunday, June 30, 2026, described Efe’s claim as fraudulent and said it would take “appropriate legal action against those responsible for these forgeries dispute began after Carter Efe appeared in an interview with popular content creator Egungun of Lagos. During the conversation, Efe said he had completed his studies at Babcock University with top honors.
Shortly after the interview, he posted what he described as his graduation certificate on X, formerly Twitter. In the post, he claimed to hold a Biochemistry degree classified as “First Class Upper for many of Efe’s followers, the post was seen as a career update from the streamer, who is best known for his comedy skits, live streams, and a high-profile celebrity boxing win over singer Portable earlier this year.
“Babcock University does not issue ‘Honorary Certificates’ for undergraduate performance and has no classification known as ‘First Class Upper,’” the university said.added that “any document claiming otherwise is fraudulent and should be disregarded.” The school also urged members of the public to verify all credentials through the Office of the Registrar.
A key point in the university’s rebuttal is its grading system. Babcock, like most Nigerian universities, awards degrees using the standard classifications: First Class, Second Class Upper, Second Class Lower, and Third Class. It does not use the term “First Class Upper,” which Efe referenced in his post
Beyond the public clarification, the university said it is pursuing legal remedies. It did not specify the exact charges or the court where the case was filed, but it indicated that the action targets the forgery and public circulation of a fake certificate bearing its name.
Under Nigerian law, forgery of academic documents can attract criminal prosecution under the Criminal Code and the Penal Code, in addition to civil claims for reputational damage. Universities often pursue such cases to protect the integrity of their certificates and to deter others from presenting false credentials.
Carter Efe, whose real name is Emmanuel Efe, rose to prominence on social media through skits, reaction videos, and live streaming. He gained mainstream attention in 2022 after a viral collaboration with singer Berri Tiga on the song “Machala.”
In recent years, he has pivoted more into streaming and entertainment events. In June 2026, he defeated singer Portable in a celebrity boxing match and was awarded a N50 million prize, an event that generated widespread online debate.
Efe has often presented himself as a bold, outspoken personality online, and his posts frequently trend on X and Instagram. That visibility is part of why the alleged certificate claim spread quickly before Babcock responded.
Why universities take certificate fraud seriously
Academic institutions in Nigeria have become more aggressive in policing fake credentials, especially as social media makes it easier for documents to be altered and shared.
A false claim of graduation not only misleads employers and the public, but it can also damage the reputation of the institution named. For private universities like Babcock, which market themselves on academic standards, the stakes are particularly high
The school’s insistence on verification through the Registrar’s office is standard practice. Employers, government agencies, and the public are advised to confirm any academic claim directly with the institution rather than relying on images posted online.
The development has generated a wave of commentary online. Some users expressed disappointment, saying Efe should not have fabricated an academic record. Others noted that the “First Class Upper” wording was a red flag from the start, since it is not a recognized classification in Nigerian universities.
A segment of Efe’s fans have defended him, arguing that the post may have been a joke or content for engagement. However, Babcock’s statement makes clear that the university is treating it as a matter of forgery, not satire
With legal action now underway, the case will likely test how Nigerian courts handle social media-related certificate fraud involving public figures. If found liable, Efe could face criminal penalties, fines, and an order to retract the claim and apologize publicly.
For Babcock, the lawsuit serves as both a correction and a deterrent. The university has reiterated that it does not award “honorary” undergraduate certificates and that any certificate not issued through its Registrar is invalid.
The episode also highlights a broader issue for influencers and entertainers: online claims about education, awards, or professional qualifications can carry real-world legal consequences if they are false
