European-American University denies fake convocation and honorary degrees in Nigeria

European-American University has officially refuted reports of a convocation held at Abuja’s NICON Luxury Hotel on September 20, 2025, declaring the event unauthorized and fraudulent. The institution emphasizes that no honorary degrees were conferred on named individuals during this falsely organized gathering.

The university revealed that the convocation was organized without its knowledge or approval, with organizers misrepresenting themselves as official representatives. These impostors lacked any authority to act on behalf of the university or collect funds in its name. Specifically, individuals named Dauda Kahutu Rarara, Alhaji Ahmed Saleh Jr., Mustapha Abdullahi Bujawa, and Tarela Boroh were wrongly reported as recipients of honorary doctorates. The university’s official Register of Graduates confirms that these persons have no legitimate affiliation.

Further misinformation involved claims about Musari Audu Isyaku serving as the institution’s Northern Nigeria representative, which the university strongly denies, clarifying that this individual holds no such authority. Additionally, the report erroneously stated that Idris Aliyu was a member of the university’s governing council and acted on behalf of the Vice Chancellor. In reality, no such governing body exists, and Aliyu’s previous appointment as a Fellow in Financial Management in 2024 has been immediately rescinded due to his involvement in the deception.

Earlier this year, the university also reaffirmed that former Vice-Chancellor Dr. Mrs Josephine Egbuta, dismissed for cause, is entirely unauthorized to represent the institution. The current Vice-Chancellor is Professor Luca Scotto di Tella de’ Douglas di Castel di Ripa. The institution’s legal standing is clarified as a non-profit private university founded in France, with a Royal Charter from Uganda’s Kingdom of Bunyoro-Kitara. Contradicting rumors asserting presence in Dominica and Panama, the university stresses these references reflect expired statuses that never overlapped.

The university maintains transparent operations in Africa, including Nigeria, with detailed information accessible online. It will collaborate with Nigerian authorities to halt the distribution of counterfeit certificates, pledging rigorous legal action against those responsible.

European-American University is taking firm steps to protect its reputation and ensure that such misrepresentations are curtailed. Authorities are urged to hold the perpetrators accountable, safeguarding prospective students and the wider public from similar scams in the future.