Nigerian Lawmakers Reject Bill to Raise Educational Qualifications for Presidential and Legislative Positions

Nigerian lawmakers have rejected a proposed bill that aimed to establish a university degree as the minimum qualification for individuals seeking the presidency, governorship, and legislative positions, Aso Naija Reports.

The bill, sponsored by Adewunmi Oriyomi Onanuga, also known as Ijaya, who serves as the Deputy Chief Whip and represents Remo Federal Constituency of Lagos, faced opposition from several lawmakers who argued that educational qualifications should not be the sole determinant of leadership ability.

The bill was extensively debated during the Tuesday plenary session, lasting over two hours.

However, due to unforeseen circumstances, it was ultimately withdrawn.

Onanuga, leading the debate, asserted that the current requirement of a secondary school certificate for elective positions is inadequate for the country’s needs and advocated for raising the minimum qualification to a university degree.

During the discussion, Babajimi Benson expressed his support for the bill, stating that it was long overdue.

Benson, who had sponsored a similar bill in the previous assembly, believed that the House should endorse the proposal.

He even questioned those opposing the bill, asking if their own children were not attending universities.

Additionally, six other lawmakers, including Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda, Majority Leader Julius Ihonvbere, and Leke Abejide, also spoke in favor of the bill.

Chinda argued that if primary school certificates were insufficient for private employment, they should not be considered acceptable for public offices.