A public dispute between popular Nigerian skit maker and content creator Carter Efe and Babcock University has escalated, after the entertainer responded defiantly to the institution's recent statement disowning a certificate he had claimed to receive from the school.
The controversy began when Carter Efe, known for his comedic skits and large online following, announced during a livestream that Babcock University had honored him with what he described as an honorary academic certificate. He reportedly indicated that the recognition reflected a "First Class Upper" classification, a claim that quickly circulated across social media platforms and generated significant buzz among his fans and followers.
However, Babcock University moved swiftly to distance itself from the claim. In an official statement posted to its Instagram page, the university flatly denied any involvement in issuing such a certificate, describing the document being shared online as fraudulent. The institution further clarified that it does not award honorary certificates based on undergraduate academic performance, and stated unequivocally that no degree classification known as "First Class Upper" exists within its academic system. Babcock also raised the possibility of pursuing legal action over the matter, signaling that it was treating the misrepresentation with some seriousness.
The university's rebuttal set the stage for Carter Efe's response, which came during a subsequent livestream session. Rather than backing down or clarifying his earlier claims, the entertainer doubled down, telling his audience in Pidgin English that the university was looking for him but that he would not make himself available unless compensated. He said they wouldn't see him unless they paid a N100,000 ticket. He went on to suggest that the university would not get access to him without meeting that condition.
Despite the defiant tone, Carter Efe also indicated that he intended to visit Babcock University at some point in the near future, though he did not offer further details on timing or the purpose of such a visit, leaving fans and observers to speculate about whether it would be tied to resolving the certificate dispute or simply another opportunity for content.
The back-and-forth has added to a growing conversation in Nigeria around the intersection of social media fame, academic credibility, and institutional reputation. Certificate-related controversies involving public figures have periodically made headlines in the country, often sparking debate about the ease with which unverified claims can spread online before institutions have a chance to respond. Babcock University's swift denial appears to be part of a broader effort by Nigerian academic institutions to protect their credibility in an era where viral claims, true or false, can shape public perception within hours.
As of this report, neither Carter Efe nor Babcock University has issued further public statements indicating whether the matter will be resolved amicably or whether legal proceedings will follow. Fans of the entertainer have largely reacted with amusement to the exchange, with many treating it as an extension of his usual comedic online persona rather than a serious legal standoff. Others, however, have urged him to address the university's fraud allegations more directly rather than responding with humor.
The story continues to develop, and further updates are expected as both parties potentially clarify their positions in the coming days.