JUST IN: Nigerian lawmakers withdraw bill seeking varsity degree as minimum qualification for president and governors

From Aminu Bala Madobi

Nigerian lawmakers have stepped down a proposed bill seeking to raise the educational qualifications for key political offices in the country.

During a debate at the House of Representatives plenary session on Tuesday, Onanuga argued that higher education was crucial for effective leadership.

Standing in the name of Adewunmi Onanuga, the proposed legislation aimed at pegging minimum qualification for elections into the governorship, presidential, and other key elective offices in the country.

The current constitution allows candidates with a mere First School Leaving Certificate to contest these positions.

The proposal gained initial support from key figures like House Leader Julius Ihonvbere and several other lawmakers.

However, strong opposition emerged from Aliyu Madaki (NNPP, Kano) and Ahmadu Jaha (APC, Borno), who argued that the bill disenfranchises qualified individuals who may not have formal university degrees but possess valuable experience and leadership qualities.

Onanuga, therefore, chose to temporarily withdraw the bill. “It appears some of our colleagues need further lobbying. I will move to step down the bill for now,” she said.