Old friend wants to use me as an academic reference I was recently contacted by a friend to give an academic reference, as we were both students at the same university.

The problem is that, he only completed the first 2 years of his degree and then stopped attending. I think he received a job offer and decided to take that instead.

Me and my fellow classmates finished our 4 year degrees and got jobs in our field.

So, is it reasonable for him to ask me for such a recommendation?
Why would it not be reasonable? 

It should be clear from his CV that he didn't complete his degree, but you surely could say relevant positive things about his character and skills.