A journalist working for Daily Nigerian, Umar Audu has been honored with the prestigious Anyim Ude prize for being the best investigative reporter of the year by the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ).Â
The award ceremony, which took place in Abuja on Saturday, was organized by the NUJ to mark World Press Freedom Day.
He was presented with a cheque for N1 million sponsored by the family of the late Anyim Ude, a legendary broadcaster and former senator representing Ebonyi South.
Audu’s remarkable achievement was attributed to his undercover investigation that exposed a syndicate involved in racketeering university degree certificates from the neighboring Benin Republic to willing buyers in Nigeria.
His investigation shed light on the ease with which individuals could obtain fraudulent degrees and transcripts, complete with authentic scan codes, from an accredited institution in Cotonou, Benin Republic.
In the course of his investigation, Audu managed to obtain a university degree within a mere six weeks, showcasing the alarming efficiency of the certificate racketeering operation.
The certificate and transcript he acquired indicated that he began his program in 2018 and graduated in 2022, even proceeding to enroll in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme undetected.
Furthermore, Audu’s expose revealed collusion between racketeering agents in Nigeria and key figures within the management of the university campus in Cotonou, including the registrar and English section coordinators who are Nigerians themselves.
The impact of Audu’s investigation prompted the federal government to take action by suspending the evaluation and accreditation of Togolese and Beninese degree certificates, affecting more than 45 universities in the process.
Chris Isiguzo, the president of NUJ, emphasized the significance of the award, stating that it aims to recognize and reward investigative reporting that brings about positive national and international changes, ultimately improving the lives of citizens.
Expressing his gratitude, Audu thanked the NUJ and the jury for selecting his report, acknowledging the motivation it provides for journalists to engage further in investigative journalism.
He highlighted the challenges faced by journalists, including threats to their safety, censorship, and accusations of spreading misinformation, but stressed the importance of their role in exposing societal issues.
“It is essential to acknowledge the daunting challenges journalists face in our country and globally, from threats to life to intimidation, censorship, and accusations of misinformation.”
“However, our work becomes even more critical in the face of these daunting challenges. We need fearless and independent journalists who are willing to shine a light in the darkest corners of society.”
Audu called upon journalists and stakeholders to continue defending press freedom, maintaining ethical standards, and striving for accuracy and fairness in reporting, emphasizing the vital role they play in holding power to account and uncovering the truth.
