The House of Representatives has begun moves to raise the minimum educational qualification for election into the office of the President of Nigeria.
The lower chamber made the moves on Monday after a bill seeking to increase the minimum education qualification for elective positions passed the first reading.
The bill sponsored by Hon. Adewunmi Onanuga (APC-Ogun) also seeks to raise the minimum qualification for election as a governor, member of the State and National Assembly to at least a University degree level or its equivalent.
It was learned that the bill will address Section 131 (d) of the 1999 constitution which states that “A person shall be qualified for election to the office of the President if he has been educated up to at least School Certificate level or its equivalent”.
However, it is understood that for that section of the constitution to be amended, it must be supported by 24 States Houses of Assembly.
Recall that the Speaker of the House, Femi Gbajabiamila, had called for the amendment of the 1999 constitution to increase the minimum academic qualification for elective offices.
Gabajabiamila, who spoke at the recent University of Lagos Convocation, said the increase became necessary after the age for eligibility to contest elective offices had been reduced.
He opined that raising the minimum academic requirement for the office of the president will help to reform the electoral system and provide strong leadership for the country.
