The honorary doctorate awarded to Hausa musician Dauda Kahutu, popularly known as Rarara, by the European-American University has been confirmed as legitimate, the university’s African operations head said on Tuesday.

The announcement comes after questions were raised over the authenticity of the award.

Dr. Josephine Egbuta, Head of African Operations at High-Grade Professional Education Centre Ltd, the university’s international partner in Africa, clarified that the degree is genuine. “Contrary to claims, the honorary doctorate award presented to Rarara is not fake,” she stated in a press release.

Dr. Egbuta explained that the European-American University has partnered with High-Grade Professional Education Centre Ltd since 2008, and her late husband, Professor Williams A. Egbuta, was appointed as Honorary Coordinator for Africa.

She expressed surprise at assertions from Dr. Luke Okojie of Accolades Communications, who recently claimed to be recognised as pro vice chancellor by the university.

“He was also a resource fellow. He printed the brochure of our 2016 convocation held in Togo. Apart from printing, his primary assignment was the Accolade book published for important personalities,” she said.

According to Dr. Egbuta, as of 2016, Dr Okojie was working for High-Grade Professional Education Centre Ltd as a professional printer.

She added that the research fellow who organised the Abuja ceremony, where Rarara received the doctorate, followed standard procedures and consulted her with the list of awardees before proceeding.

To support her claims, Dr. Egbuta made available certificates and a Memorandum of Understanding between High-Grade Professional Education Centre Ltd and the European-American University, describing the documents as legally binding.

“No contrary correspondence from the University has been communicated to High-Grade Professional Education Centre Ltd,” she said.

She urged the public to disregard reports suggesting that the honorary awards were organised illegally, reiterating that the recognition of Rarara and other honorees followed established protocols of the university and its African partner.