Investigative journalist Umar Audu has been granted a 10-year government security detail by the House of Representatives following his damning undercover report on the illegal trade of academic certificates in Benin Republic.
Audu’s findings exposed a criminal ring selling fake university degrees to Nigerians, credentials that were fraudulently authenticated by state bodies, including the education ministry.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that a joint task force comprising various legislative committees is currently handling the probe into the issue.
Chairman of the committee, Rep. Abubakar Fulata, announced the decision, urging the Nigeria Police Force and the NSCDC to ensure Audu’s safety over the next ten years.
“We appreciate his courageous efforts. The Interior Minister must see that Civil Defence works closely with the police in this matter,” Fulata stated.
During the hearing, Audu explained how he secured a university certificate without attending classes and paid N40,000 to have it cleared by the Ministry of Education.
In response, Interior Minister Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo advocated for an automated central database to verify credentials and prevent further fraud, adding that the current administration was not responsible for the failure. He offered a public apology to Nigerians.
The Education Ministry, represented by Director Larai Ahmed, disclosed that the unit involved in processing Audu’s fake certificate had been overhauled and new security measures introduced.
NYSC DG Brig.-Gen. Olakunle Nafiu also addressed the lawmakers, stating that the corps had adopted biometric verification of certificates to enhance scrutiny and avoid a repeat of the issue.
The legislative panel reiterated its resolve to complete a comprehensive investigation and initiate reforms to protect the sanctity of Nigeria’s educational and civil service systems.