Dauda Rarara in a Robe for the honorary doctorate

The European-American University has disclaimed an honorary doctorate recently conferred on Nigerian political praise singer Dauda Kahutu, popularly known as Rarara.

At an event held at the NICON Luxury Hotel in Abuja on Saturday, Rarara was awarded the honorary doctorate in the presence of family, friends and well-wishers. However, in a statement published on its website, the university said the ‘convocation’ where Rarara received the degree was fraudulently organised and not authorised by the institution.

The university further disclaimed both the award and the individuals involved. It named Musari Audu Isyaku, alleged to be the “Northern Nigeria representative” of the institution, and Idris Aliyu, who purportedly represented the Vice Chancellor at the ceremony. According to the university, neither person has any legitimate authority to represent it.

“Idris Aliyu is not a member of the University’s governing body – there is no ‘Governing Council’ – and has no authority to represent the University’s Vice Chancellor,” the statement said. “Aliyu Idris was appointed to the Fellowship of the University with professorial status in Financial Management in 2024. This appointment has been revoked with immediate effect for his involvement with this fraudulent activity.”

Accreditation Questions

Beyond disclaiming the award, the European-American University itself faces scrutiny over its legitimacy. The institution claims to be registered in France and to hold a Royal Charter of Incorporation from the Bunyoro-Kitara Kingdom in Uganda. It says it issues certificates through the French government’s “Validation des Acquis de l’Expérience” (VAE) framework, a process designed to recognise prior learning.

However, Uganda’s National Council for Higher Education (NCHE), which accredits degree-awarding institutions, does not list the university as authorised to issue any recognised academic qualifications. The university has nonetheless awarded previous honorary doctorates to prominent Nigerians, including former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello and Borno State Commissioner for Works and Housing Mustapha Gubio.

The controversy has ignited debate on the credibility of honorary degrees issued by little-known institutions operating across borders.