The House of Representatives has approved a 10-year security protection plan for investigative journalist Umar Audu, who uncovered a massive certificate racketeering scheme involving Nigerian citizens obtaining fraudulent degrees from institutions in Benin Republic.

The directive, announced by Rep. Abubakar Fulata, Chairman of the joint House Committee investigating the scandal, calls on the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to ensure Audu's safety over the next decade.

"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 stated during the committee proceedings.

The joint House Committees on University, Polytechnic, Interior, Foreign Affairs, and Youth Development are currently investigating the scandal following Audu's undercover work that exposed how Nigerians can purchase unearned university certificates from degree mills in Benin Republic.

In his testimony before the committee, Audu revealed how he personally acquired a Benin Republic university degree without attending any classes and subsequently had it cleared by Nigeria's Ministry of Education for a fee of ₦40,000.

The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, responding to the revelations, called for the creation of an automated single-point contact system to centralize educational verification processes and eliminate such fraudulent practices.

"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 offering an apology to Nigerians for the systemic lapses.

The Ministry of Education, represented by Director Larai Ahmed on behalf of Minister Olatunji Alausa, confirmed that the department responsible for clearing Audu's fraudulent certificate had been completely overhauled, with stronger measures being implemented to prevent future breaches.

Also appearing before the committee, the Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier-General Olakunle Nafiu, disclosed that the corps had begun implementing 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 committee.

The House committee has reaffirmed its commitment to conducting a thorough investigation and enforcing comprehensive reforms to safeguard the integrity of Nigeria's education and public service systems.

The scandal has raised serious concerns about the credibility of academic qualifications in Nigeria's workforce and the effectiveness of verification processes at government agencies.