Reps Reject Bill Proposing University Degree Requirement For Presidents, Governors

The House of Representatives has today, Tuesday decided to drop a bill aimed at amending the 1999 Constitution to change the educational qualifications for certain political offices.

Introduced by Adewunmi Onanuga, the proposed legislation sought to set a minimum educational requirement for elections into governorship, presidential, and other key elective positions in Nigeria.

Onanuga, during the plenary session, argued for amending the constitution to mandate that elective office holders possess a university degree or its equivalent, rather than the current provision allowing candidates with only a First School Leaving Certificate to run for the highest offices.

While the bill garnered support from House Leader Julius Ihonvbere, Babajimi Benson, Kingsley Chinda, and other lawmakers, opposition from figures like Aliyu Madaki and Ahmadu Jaha led to its rejection.

Expressing disappointment, Onanuga pledged to lobby more colleagues before reintroducing the bill at a later date.

“It appears some of our colleagues need further lobbying. I will move to step down the bill for now,” she stated.