The National Orientation Agency (NOA) Director General Lanre Issa-Onilu has applauded the Daily Nigerian for its recent undercover report. The investigation uncovered the illicit trade of fake degree certificates by ‘mushroom universities’ in Benin and Togo Republics.
In a letter dated January 3, addressed to the editor, Ibrahim Ramalan, Issa-Onilu lauded the investigative report by Umar Audu as “a shining example of first-class journalism for national development.”
Issa-Onilu urged media organizations to prioritize their agenda-setting roles for national development over adversarial journalism. He emphasized the importance of fairness, objectivity, and balanced reporting in strengthening national cohesion and security.
Emphasizing the need for diligence and nationalism in journalism, Issa-Onilu encouraged the media to take cues from Daily Nigerian’s exemplary report. He pledged the NOA’s continuous support in championing excellence in journalism and nation-building efforts.
The commendation serves as a testament to the crucial role investigative journalism plays in upholding societal values and exposing malpractices that undermine the integrity of educational systems.