Nigerian lawmakers find themselves embroiled in a heated debate over a proposed constitutional amendment seeking to elevate the educational qualifications required for those aspiring to the presidency, governorship, and legislative offices to a university degree. Deputy Chief Whip Adewunmi Oriyomi Onanuga, also known as Ijaya, spearheaded the bill, sparking significant opposition from legislators who argued vehemently against making educational credentials the sole criteria for assessing leadership capabilities.
During the extensive two-hour debate, Onanuga defended the bill, expressing concern that the current prerequisite of a secondary school certificate was inadequate for the country’s needs. She called for a reevaluation of standards, posing the question, “Are we saying our students have no reasoning?”
Babajimi Benson supported the bill, highlighting its overdue nature and stressing, “I sponsored the same bill in the last assembly. It is what the House should support. Anyone opposed to this bill should be asked if their children are not in universities.”
Other proponents of the bill included Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda, Majority Leader Julius Ihonvbere, and Leke Abejide, all underscoring the significance of raising the educational bar for those seeking public office. Chinda argued that primary school certificates, considered inadequate for private employment, should similarly be deemed insufficient for public offices.
However, the proposal encountered strong opposition from seven lawmakers. Ahmed Jaha from Borno State argued that certification does not equate to wisdom, and Aliyu Madaki insisted that leadership quality should not be solely determined by educational qualifications.
Amidst the growing dissent, the bill’s initiator, Onanuga, announced its withdrawal, citing the necessity for further consultations. This clash underscores the ongoing debate in Nigeria about the intricate relationship between education and political leadership, revealing a sharp division among lawmakers on the matter.
