The House of Representatives has approved a 10-year security protection for investigative journalist Umar Audu, following his undercover report that exposed a certificate racketeering syndicate operating through degree mills in the Benin Republic.
Audu’s investigation revealed how Nigerians obtained unmerited university certificates, many of which were cleared by government institutions, including the Ministry of Education.
Chairman of the House Committee, Rep. Abubakar Fulata, announced the security directive on behalf of the House and mandated the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to provide protection for Audu over the next decade.
The joint House Committees on University Education, Polytechnic Education, Interior, Foreign Affairs, and Youth Development are currently investigating the matter.
“We are grateful to Audu for his courage. We urge the Minister of Interior to ensure that the Civil Defence provides the required support alongside the police,” Fulata said.
In his testimony before the committee, Audu detailed how he acquired a Benin Republic university degree without attending classes and had it cleared by the ministry of education for a fee of ₦40,000.
Reacting to the revelations, the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, advocated for the creation of an automated single-point contact system to centralise educational verification and eliminate such fraud.
“Such an error did not occur under this administration. However, a unified, automated portal is essential to curb this menace,” Tunji-Ojo noted, while also apologising to Nigerians for the lapses.
The Minister of Education, Mr Olatunji Alausa, was represented by a Director in the ministry, Mrs Larai Ahmed.
Alausa confirmed that the department responsible for clearing Audu’s certificate had been overhauled, and stronger measures were being implemented to prevent future breaches.
Also appearing before the committee, NYSC Director-General, Brig.-Gen. Olakunle Nafiu, revealed that the corps had begun using biometric verification to validate certificates submitted by prospective corps members.
“We deeply regret the anomaly and are collaborating with relevant agencies.
“Our verification system is now stronger, and we have initiated reforms to prevent any recurrence,” Nafiu assured.
The House committee reaffirmed its commitment to concluding a thorough investigation and enforcing reforms to safeguard the integrity of Nigeria’s education and public service systems.
