By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini
In a significant gesture of goodwill, the European-American University (EAU) has formally extended an offer to award genuine honorary degrees to Nigerian celebrities, including popular Hausa singer Dauda Kahutu Rarara, who were recently victimised by fraudsters.
This development follows a widely publicised incident in Abuja, where impostors falsely claiming to represent the university organised a sham ceremony and presented fake honorary degrees.
In an official statement, the university confirmed it has reported the fraudulent event to the Nigerian Police for investigation. The EAU stated it believes the recipients, who also include Alhaji Ahmed Saleh jnr, Mustapha Abdullahi Bujawa, and Tarela Boroh, were “innocent victims” who acted in good faith.
The university has now invited the individuals to contact its Nigerian representative, Professor Luke Okojie, to begin a proper validation process. Subject to their consent and a review of their credentials by the university’s Honorary Degrees Committee, they will be awarded legitimate degrees at the EAU’s official Nigerian convocation this November.
The university explicitly stated that no fees will be required throughout the process, a point emphasised to distance its legitimate operations from the actions of the scammers.