By Zaharaddeen Ishaq Abubakar | Katsina Times
The controversy surrounding the honorary doctorate degree awarded to popular Hausa musician Dauda Kahutu Rarara has once again exposed the widespread problem of fake awards and fraudulent honours in Nigeria.
On Saturday, September 20, 2025, a so-called convocation ceremony of the European-American University was staged at Nicon Luxury Hotel, Abuja, where Rarara and three others were conferred with degrees. The event was attended by prominent figures, including the Governor of Katsina State, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda.
However, in a swift reaction, the university issued a public disclaimer on its official website, disowning the ceremony and describing it as fake.
According to the statement:
The university never awarded any degree to Rarara or the other recipients.
The Abuja event was not organised or authorised by the institution.
Musari Audu Isyaku, introduced as the university’s Northern Nigeria representative, has no affiliation with the institution.
Idris Aliyu, presented as the university president’s envoy, previously had his honorary position revoked due to similar fraudulent conduct.
Dr. Josephine Egbuta, a former university president dismissed for misconduct, has no authority to represent the university.
The institution reaffirmed that its legitimate president is Professor Luca Scotto di Tella de’ Douglas di Castel di Ripa, registered in France and recognised by the Bunyoro-Kitara Kingdom of Uganda. It also dismissed claims of operating in Dominica or Panama.
This is not the first time Nigeria has been rocked by controversies over fake or questionable honours:
2018: Former President Muhammadu Buhari was reportedly honoured by the family of Martin Luther King Jr. The King Centre in Atlanta later denied granting the award.
2022: The United Nations Office disowned a high-profile awards ceremony in Abuja where prominent Nigerians were decorated.
2024: Investigations revealed that several groups in Abuja and Lagos were openly selling honorary degrees to entertainers and businessmen for millions of naira.
Analysts say such incidents highlight three key issues:
Quest for fame without due diligence – Many recipients embrace awards without verifying their authenticity.
Weak regulatory oversight – Fraudulent organisations thrive due to lack of stringent enforcement.
Reputational risks – Once discredited, such awards tarnish the image and public trust of recipients.
For celebrities like Rarara, the scandal could pose a serious threat to his reputation and the credibility he has built among his fans.
The episode underscores the urgent need for Nigerian authorities, especially the National Universities Commission (NUC) and security agencies, to take stronger measures against fraudulent institutions and bogus award schemes.
From Buhari’s King Centre controversy in 2018, to the UN award scandal in 2022, and now Rarara’s case in 2025, the pattern is clear: the menace of fake honours is growing, and Nigeria must confront it decisively.
The ultimate lesson remains: True honour and respect cannot be bought or manufactured — they must be earned through genuine service and integrity.
