Lawmakers reject bill to raise educational qualifications for political offices

A proposed bill aiming to elevate the educational requirements for key political positions has been temporarily withdrawn following opposition from lawmakers during a House of Representatives plenary session.

Sponsored by Adewunmi Onanuga of the APC from Ogun State, the bill sought to amend the 1999 Constitution to mandate a university degree or its equivalent for presidential, gubernatorial, and other significant government roles, challenging the current provision allowing candidates with basic educational certificates to contest such positions.

The proposed legislation, introduced by Onanuga of the All Progressives Congress (APC) representing Ogun State, aimed to raise the educational threshold for aspirants vying for pivotal political offices in Nigeria.

Advocating for the amendment of the 1999 Constitution, the bill proposed the requirement of a university degree or its equivalent for individuals aspiring to presidential, gubernatorial, and other prominent government positions.

Onanuga argued that higher education was essential for fostering effective leadership and governance.

The bill initially garnered support from notable figures within the House of Representatives, including House Leader Julius Ihonvbere and several other lawmakers.

However, opposition to the proposed legislation emerged during the plenary session, particularly from Aliyu Madaki of the APC representing Kano State and Ahmadu Jaha of the APC from Borno State.

These lawmakers contended that the bill risked disenfranchising qualified individuals who may lack formal university degrees but possess substantial experience and leadership qualities.

In response to the growing dissent, Onanuga opted to temporarily withdraw the bill from consideration. "It appears some of our colleagues need further lobbying. I will move to step down the bill for now," she announced during the session.