On Tuesday, the House of Representatives deferred a bill proposing an increase in the educational requirements for certain elective positions in Nigeria to a minimum of a university degree or its equivalent.
The bill, sponsored by the Deputy Whip, Hon. Omowunmi Onanuga, seeking to amend the 1999 Constitution, was tabled for debate but was subsequently postponed following extensive discussions on its merits and drawbacks.
Titled “A Bill for an Act to Alter the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) to Change the Educational Qualification for Elections into Certain Political Offices and for Related Matters,” the proposed legislation aimed to raise the educational bar for various political positions.
During the debate on the bill’s general principles, Onanuga stressed the strategic importance of the affected political offices, arguing for a critical examination of the educational qualifications of political officeholders. She pointed out the contradiction in requiring a university degree for employment in the public sector but not for holding political office.
Supporting the bill, Hon. Babajimi Benson (APC, Lagos) questioned the logic of aspiring to higher political offices without pursuing education beyond secondary level, emphasizing the importance of education in modern society.
Similarly, House Leader, Hon. (Prof.) Julius Ihonvbare, advocated for higher qualifications for political offices in line with the knowledge-driven world but suggested exemptions for local government positions.
However, Minority Whip, Aliyu Madaki (NNPP, Kano), argued against linking leadership quality solely to education level, emphasizing the importance of commitment to service.
Opposing the bill, Hon. Bashir Usman Gorau (PDP, Sokoto) cautioned against limiting participation in elections based on educational qualifications, considering the socio-economic disparities in Nigeria.
Likewise, Hon. Ahmed Jaha (APC, Borno) cautioned against the negative consequences of the proposed legislation on certain segments of society, stressing that educational qualifications alone do not determine intelligence or capability.
Chief Whip, Hon. Usman Bello Kumo, expressed opposition to the bill, citing concerns about limiting democratic participation and advocating for maintaining the constitutional provision of a school certificate or its equivalent for political officeholders.