Bill requiring first degree for Nigerian president suffers setback

The House of Representatives has temporarily set aside a proposed bill to amend the 1999 Constitution regarding the educational qualifications required for certain political positions. 

Sponsored by Adewunmi Onanuga, the bill sought to establish a higher minimum educational requirement for individuals running for governorship, presidency, and other significant elective roles in Nigeria, setting the benchmark at a minimum of a graduate degree. 

Ms Onanuga, representing the Ikenne/Salami/Remo North federal constituency of Ogun, presented the argument during a plenary session, advocating an amendment that mandates candidates to hold a university degree or its equivalent, contrasting with the current provision allowing individuals with only a First School Leaving Certificate to contest the highest offices in the nation. 

While the bill received support from house leader Julius Ihonvbere, Babajimi Benson, Kingsley Chinda, and several other lawmakers, opposition emerged from Aliyu Madaki of Kano, Ahmadu Jaha of the APC from Borno, and others. 

Despite the disappointment, Ms Onanuga withdrew the bill, expressing intent to engage in further discussions with colleagues before reintroducing it. 

She emphasised the need for additional lobbying efforts, recognising the necessity to garner broader support among fellow lawmakers.

President Bola Tinubu was caught in an international web of certificate forgery, resulting in a forgery case that went up to the Supreme Court of Nigeria and legal fireworks in the United States.

His predecessor, Muhammadu Buhari, was also accused of not having the basic academic qualifications to contest the 2015 presidential election.