Reps Drop Bill Making University Degree Minimum Qualification For President, Govs
A bill seeking to amend the educational qualification for elections into certain political offices has been stepped down by the House of Representatives. The bill, which was presented by Adewunmi Onanuga, aimed to raise the minimum qualification for governorship, presidential, and other key elective positions in Nigeria.
Onanuga, representing the Ikenne/Sagamu/Remo North Federal Constituency in Ogun State, argued that a university degree should be a compulsory requirement for elective office holders. Despite her efforts, the bill was stepped down due to the need for further lobbying among colleagues.
During the plenary session on Tuesday, Onanuga expressed disappointment but remained determined to continue her efforts in garnering support for the bill. She acknowledged the need for more persuasion among her colleagues before presenting it for consideration on the House floor at a later date.
The current provision in the 1999 Constitution allows individuals with a First School Leaving Certificate to run for the highest office in the country. Onanuga’s proposed amendment aimed to address this and ensure a higher educational standard for political officeholders.
A disappointed Onanuga stepped down the bill, pledging to lobby more of her colleagues preparatory to having it presented on the floor of the House at a later date.
“It appears some of our colleagues need further lobbying. I will move to step down the bill for now,” she said.
