In a stunning revelation that has sent shockwaves through Nigeria’s entertainment and political circles, the European-American University has categorically disowned a lavish “convocation” ceremony held in Abuja, where popular Hausa musician Dauda Kahutu Rarara – a vocal supporter of President Bola Tinubu – was purportedly awarded an honorary doctorate degree alongside three others. The institution branded the event a brazen scam, vowing to pursue legal action against the fraudsters who allegedly pocketed fees while masquerading as its representatives.
The controversial gathering unfolded on Saturday at the opulent NICON Luxury Hotel in Abuja, drawing high-profile attendees including Katsina State Governor Dikko Umaru Radda. During the ceremony, Rarara, real name Dauda Kahutu, was celebrated as “Dr. Dauda Kahutu Rarara” for his contributions to music, unity, and humanitarian efforts. Also honored were Alhaji Ahmed Saleh Jnr., Mustapha Abdullahi Bujawa, and Tarela Boroh, with speakers hailing their “outstanding performance and impact on humanity.”
Governor Radda, in his remarks, described Rarara as a “phenomenon and unifier” whose songs have promoted national cohesion and supported humanitarian projects across Nigeria.
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However, hours after the event, the European-American University issued a scathing disclaimer on its official website, exposing the affair as an unauthorized fraud.
“European-American University has not conferred any honorary doctorate degrees upon Dauda Kahutu Rarara, Alhaji Ahmed Saleh Jnr., Mustapha Abdullahi Bujawa, and Tarela Boroh,” the statement declared, emphasizing that none of the recipients appear in its official Register of Graduates.
The university’s public register, accessible online, lists verified graduates and honorands dating back to 2016 – including degrees in fields like Financial Management and Corporate Governance – but conspicuously omits the names of Rarara and his co-honorees.
The institution accused the organizers of deceiving attendees and collecting money under false pretenses, with no knowledge or consent from the university. It specifically debunked claims by event host Dr. Musari Audu Isyaku, who presented himself as the university’s Northern Nigeria representative, labeling the assertion “entirely false.”
Similarly, Idris Aliyu – paraded as a Governing Council member and vice chancellor representative – was disavowed; the university clarified it has no such council, and Aliyu’s prior 2024 Fellowship in Financial Management has been revoked due to his role in the scam.
Further clarifying its leadership, the university named Professor Luca Scotto di Tella de’ Douglas di Castel di Ripa as its current Vice Chancellor, dismissing former VC Dr. Mrs. Josephine Egbuta, who was sacked earlier this year and lacks authority to act on its behalf.
On its legal standing, the European-American University – a nonprofit private institution – stressed its registration in France and a Royal Charter from the Kingdom of Bunyoro-Kitara in Uganda. It dismissed outdated references to operations in Dominica and Panama as “expired past authorities.”
“The University will be contacting the legal authorities in Nigeria to stop the issuing of fake University certificates… who should face the full force of the law,” the statement warned, signaling an imminent crackdown on the counterfeit credentials.
The scandal has ignited widespread online mockery and debate, with social media users questioning the due diligence of dignitaries at the event and Rarara’s quick embrace of the “Dr.” title. Rarara, known for his pro-Tinubu anthems that swayed elections in 2015, 2019, and 2023, had expressed excitement over the recognition, calling it validation of his “talent and humanitarian services.” Neither Rarara nor the other recipients have publicly responded to the disavowal as of press time.
This incident echoes past controversies involving dubious international honors in Nigeria, including a 2019 case where the same university clarified a similar award to businessman E-Money amid local skepticism. As investigations loom, the fake doctorate saga serves as a stark reminder of the perils of unchecked prestige in the pursuit of validation.