Reps. Abandon Bill Requiring A College Degree As A Prerequisite For President And Government

Nigerian lawmakers oppose a bill that would have required a university degree to be eligible to serve as president, governor, or National Assembly member.

Legislators in Nigeria rejected a bill on Tuesday that attempted to change the constitution to make a university degree the minimum educational requirement to run for president, governor, or legislative office.

Some lawmakers argued that leadership quality is not determined by educational background, opposing a bill sponsored by Deputy Chief Whip and member Adewunmi Oriyomi Onanuga, popularly known as Ijaya, who represents Remo Federal Constituency in Lagos.

Babajimi Benson, who supported the bill, emphasized its overdueness by stating, “I sponsored the same bill in the last assembly. The House ought to endorse it. One should inquire of those who oppose this bill whether their children attend universities or not. Six other lawmakers, including Minority Leader, Kingsley Chinda, Majority Leader Julius Ihonvbere, and Leke Abejide, also spoke in favour of the bill.”

Chinda contended that primary school diplomas shouldn't be accepted for public office since they are insufficient for employment in the private sector.

Abejide expressed concern about the current situation, saying, “We cannot have mediocrity in running the affairs in a nation or a country. It is very dangerous.”

Reports state that seven legislators were against the bill. Borno State's Ahmed Jaha vehemently opposed the bill, insisting that certification is not the same as wisdom and pleading with colleagues to uphold the existing constitutional requirements.

While opposing the bill, Aliyu Madaki maintained that leadership quality is not determined by educational attainment. “Your leadership quality is not determined by education,” he stated. As more members voiced disagreement with the bill's intent, Onanuga eventually resigned the bill due to the mounting opposition.