Nigerian lawmakers have withdrawn a proposed bill aimed at increasing the educational qualifications for key political offices in the country. The legislation, presented by Adewunmi Onanuga, sought to establish a minimum qualification for elections into governorship, presidential, and other vital elective positions, challenging the current provision that permits candidates with just a First School Leaving Certificate to contest these roles.
During a House of Representatives plenary session, Onanuga argued for the importance of higher education in effective leadership. While the proposal initially garnered support from figures like House Leader Julius Ihonvbere, opposition arose from Aliyu Madaki and Ahmadu Jaha, who contended that the bill could disenfranchise qualified individuals lacking formal university degrees but possessing valuable experience and leadership qualities.
In response to the opposition, Onanuga chose to temporarily withdraw the bill, stating, “It appears some of our colleagues need further lobbying. I will move to step down the bill for now.”
Simultaneously, the House of Representatives received a new bill proposing the creation of three new states in the South-West. Sponsored by Oluwole Oke, the legislation aims to garner support for the establishment of Oke-Ogun, Ijebu, and Ife-Ijesa as independent states within the South-West.
Oke outlined the proposed capitals and local government areas for each state, intending to make the South-West the region with the highest number of states in Nigeria, currently comprising six states: Ekiti, Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, and Oyo. The bill has been submitted to the parliament’s clerk for further legislative action.
