Reps Withdrew Bill Requiring University Degree For Presidential, Governorship Candidates

The House of Representatives have opted to withdraw a proposed bill intended to amend the 1999 Constitution, which demanded to alter the educational requirements for specific political offices such as the president, governors, and National Assembly members.

As per the bill, the candidates must have a minimum of a bachelor's degree to run for elections. However, the proposed bill didn't go well with several reps as they debated on Tuesday to stop the bill, which was introduced by Oriyomi Onanuga, who is representing Ikenne/Salami/Remo North Federal Constituency in Ogun State.

Some representatives supported the bill such as House Leader Julius Ihonvbere, Babajimi Benson, Kingsley Chinda, and several other lawmakers while a representative from Kano State Aliyu Madaki, Ahmadu Jaha of Borno State among others opposed the bill.

"What we are discussing is whether elected officials should have wisdom and knowledge. Are you telling me that a school certificate holder in 1960 is the same thing as today? In the past, primary school students were drafted to be teachers," Chinda said, Premium Times reported.

"Can a primary school holder get a job in private establishments? We must say that education is important. We should do the proper thing," he added.

Several others supported the bill but it wasn't enough to convince others who were opposing the bill.

Madaki, who opposed the bill, said that this bill might not affect him or his children but definitely, it won't be in the favor of the greater majority.

"Your leadership quality is not determined by education. I have three grown-up children; they are all in universities. What we are trying to do is about all Nigerians. The level of education is not in the constitutions of some states. In the case of INEC, what we saw the professors do is terrible," he explained.

"As a person, I hold an MBA, but it is not about the individual. It is about the collective. I believe we should allow that section of the constitution to stay," he added.

As per the 1999 Constitution's sections 65, 106, 131 and 171, a school certificate or equivalent as the minimum qualification is enough for a person to run for elections.

Last month, President Bola Tinubu said that education will work as an antidote to deal with the surge in banditry and kidnappings in Nigeria.