The House of Representatives has decided to withdraw a proposed bill aimed at amending the 1999 Constitution to change the educational qualification required for certain political offices, following a motion passed during the session.
The bill, sponsored by Adewunmi Onanuga, sought to establish a minimum educational requirement for candidates running for governorship, presidential, and other significant elective positions in Nigeria.
During the debate in the plenary session on Tuesday, Onanuga argued that the current provision in the constitution allowing candidates with only a First School Leaving Certificate to contest for the highest offices in the country should be amended to require a university degree or its equivalent.
While the bill received support from lawmakers such as House Leader Julius Ihonvbere, Babajimi Benson, Kingsley Chinda, and others, some members including Aliyu Madaki and Ahmadu Jaha opposed the proposed amendment.
Disappointed by the opposition, Onanuga decided to withdraw the bill temporarily, expressing her intention to engage in further discussions with her colleagues before reintroducing it for consideration in the future.
“I will step down the bill for now as it appears some of our colleagues need further lobbying,” she stated.
Further updates will be provided in due course.
