When the news broke that Dauda Kahutu Rarara had been awarded an honorary doctorate by the so-called European-American University, it seemed like a major milestone in his career. But the story quickly unraveled. Within days, the same institution reportedly denied any involvement, claiming it had never formally conferred such a degree. What began as a moment of pride soon turned into widespread ridicule.
Critics wasted no time in mocking him, with many drawing sharp contrasts between Rarara and the late Mamman Shata. Shata’s recognition, they reminded the public, was rooted in decades of cultural and political contributions, with thousands of songs spanning themes as diverse as agriculture, commerce, bravery, and political education. In contrast, Rarara was portrayed as a one-dimensional artist who tied his reputation to songs about political figures, and now, as someone gullible enough to embrace a fake degree from a questionable institution.
Yet, beyond the satire and derision, the incident raises serious legal and reputational questions. If Rarara genuinely believed the honorary title was legitimate, then the institution’s disavowal of it has not only embarrassed him but also cast lasting doubt on his integrity. In effect, the reversal has left him looking like a willing participant in fraud when he may instead have been its victim.
From a legal standpoint, this situation touches on several fronts. The public back-and-forth has injured his reputation in ways that amount to defamation, branding him in the public eye as a man complicit in deception. There is also the possibility of misrepresentation or fraud if those who facilitated the award misled him for publicity or other gains. Even where no money exchanged hands, the institution’s failure to control its processes and later distancing itself amounts to negligence. By allowing the story to circulate before disclaiming it, they exposed Rarara to ridicule that could easily have been avoided.
Pursuing legal action, therefore, is not only about compensation; it is also about dignity. For a musician whose influence rests largely on public perception, defending his name is critical. By challenging the incident in court, Rarara could reframe the narrative from being a man mocked for gullibility to someone who stood up against fraudulent practices. The wider implication of such a move would also shine a light on the growing menace of fake universities and dubious awards that exploit unsuspecting celebrities and professionals across Nigeria and beyond.
But while the courts may help him reclaim his reputation, this episode also highlights another gap in his career: the absence of professional management. For an artist of his visibility and influence, every public engagement carries weight. A skilled manager would have scrutinized the legitimacy of the award, protecting him from the embarrassment that followed. With the right guidance, Rarara could focus on his art while his team ensured that his engagements, endorsements, and honors consistently enhanced his credibility.
The fake doctorate saga has left Rarara at a crossroads. He can either allow it to define him, or he can use it as a turning point. By seeking legal counsel, he would not only protect his reputation but also send a message that entertainers and cultural figures are not easy targets for ridicule and exploitation. And by surrounding himself with capable management, he would safeguard his future from similar missteps.
At the heart of this issue lies something more important than titles or accolades: the value of a good name. For a cultural figure like Rarara, whose career rests on influence and visibility, preserving that name may well be the most important performance of all.
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