The trending story surrounding European American University Dauda Kahutu Rarara has taken over headlines in Nigeria. Recently, videos and reports emerged online claiming that the popular Hausa musician and political singer, Dauda Kahutu Rarara, participated in what many allege to be a fake convocation ceremony. This article, compiled by Arewacampus.com.ng, breaks down the controversy, reactions from the public, and what this means for educational credibility in Nigeria.
Quick Summary – What Happened?
- Dauda Kahutu Rarara was reportedly conferred with an honorary degree by European American University.
- The event was tagged a “convocation ceremony” and was widely circulated on social media.
- Investigations by journalists and education stakeholders revealed that the university is not accredited by Nigeria’s National Universities Commission (NUC).
- Public outrage followed, with many labeling the event a staged or fake convocation.
- The debate sparked fresh calls for stricter oversight on degree-awarding institutions operating in Nigeria.
About European American University
European American University (EAU) claims to operate as a private, international distance-learning institution with roots in the Caribbean. However, the institution is not listed on the official list of accredited universities in Nigeria. According to independent reports, the university often organizes events in Africa to confer honorary degrees, which has led to multiple controversies over the years.
Who Is Dauda Kahutu Rarara?
Dauda Kahutu Rarara is a renowned Hausa musician, known for his politically-themed songs in Northern Nigeria. His fan base spans millions across social media platforms, and his influence in cultural and political spheres is notable. The recent honorary degree award, however, has thrown him into an unexpected storm of criticism, with many questioning his involvement in the so-called convocation.
Why The Convocation Is Seen As Fake
- Lack of NUC Accreditation: The university is not recognized by Nigerian authorities.
- Unofficial Setup: Reports suggest the event was organized in hotels and private halls, rather than a registered university campus.
- Honorary vs Academic Degree: Honorary degrees do not require convocation ceremonies, raising doubts about the legitimacy of the event.
- Past Patterns: Similar controversies have trailed European American University in Ghana and Sierra Leone.
Public Reaction To The Event
The Nigerian public, particularly on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook, expressed disappointment. Many tagged the ceremony as misleading, while others criticized the lack of strict regulation in the Nigerian education space. Education watchdogs emphasized that conferring fake or unrecognized degrees undermines the credibility of higher education.
What This Means For Nigerian Education
This incident brings to light the need for tighter control of foreign-linked institutions in Nigeria. The NUC continues to warn against unaccredited universities operating in the country, urging students and the public to verify institutions before enrolling or associating with their programs. You can check the full list of accredited universities on the official NUC website.
Role Of Media In Exposing The Event
Journalists and bloggers were quick to report the development, with fact-checking organizations highlighting inconsistencies in the event. Outlets also cautioned the public against falling for misleading convocation pictures and videos. As a reliable education news source, Arewacampus will continue to provide updates and verified information on such controversial topics.
Final Thoughts
The European American University Dauda Kahutu Rarara convocation controversy should serve as a wake-up call. While honorary awards are common worldwide, staging them as convocation ceremonies can mislead the public. For transparency and credibility, all stakeholders must demand accountability from degree-awarding institutions.
FAQs – European American University Dauda Kahutu Rarara
Is European American University accredited in Nigeria?
No. The university is not recognized by the National Universities Commission (NUC) as an accredited institution in Nigeria.
What degree was given to Dauda Kahutu Rarara?
Rarara was reportedly conferred with an honorary degree during the alleged convocation ceremony, not an academic degree.
Why is the convocation described as fake?
Critics labeled it fake because the institution lacks accreditation, and honorary degrees typically do not require convocation ceremonies.
Has European American University faced similar controversies before?
Yes. The university has been involved in past controversies across African countries, often linked to unrecognized honorary awards.
What should students do to avoid fake degrees?
Students should verify institutions on the official NUC list of accredited universities before applying or accepting any award.
Stay tuned to Arewacampus for verified updates on education-related controversies in Nigeria.