The House of Representatives has deferred a proposed bill aiming to amend the 1999 Constitution, which addresses educational qualifications for key political positions in Nigeria.
Spearheaded by Adewunmi Onanuga, the bill proposed raising the minimum educational standard for gubernatorial, presidential, and other significant elective roles to a graduate degree level.
Ms. Onanuga, representing Ogun’s Ikenne/Sagamu/Remo North federal constituency, argued for the amendment during a plenary session, advocating for a university degree as a prerequisite, contrasting the current provision allowing candidates with only a First School Leaving Certificate to contest top governmental positions.
While the bill garnered support from lawmakers like house leader Julius Ihonvbere, Babajimi Benson, and Kingsley Chinda, opposition arose from members like Aliyu Madaki of Kano and Ahmadu Jaha of the APC from Borno.
Despite initial enthusiasm, Ms. Onanuga withdrew the bill, expressing a desire for further dialogue and intending to garner more support among colleagues before reintroducing it.
The setback underscores the complexities surrounding educational requirements for political office, amidst historical controversies such as President Bola Tinubu’s certificate forgery case and previous allegations against Muhammadu Buhari’s academic qualifications.
