The House of Representatives on Tuesday stepped down a bill seeking to alter the minimum educational qualification for the offices of president and vice president from a primary school certificate to a university degree.

The bill was sponsored by Rep. Adewunmi Onanuga (APC-Ogun) at plenary.

Presenting the bill’s general principles, Ms Onanuga called on the House to look at the educational qualifications of political office holders.

She said Nigeria had passed the age of using a school leaving certificate as the minimum requirement for political office, adding that a university degree or its equivalent should be the minimum qualification.

Rep. Babajimi Benson (APC-Ogun) supported the bill.

“I can’t believe that in this modern age, some people will say, don’t go to school, yet go and be president,” he said.

Rep. Julius Ihonvbare (APC-Edo) also spoke in favour of the bill, saying, “We are in a world where knowledge is power; we see leaders of other nations who make excellent presentations, but here we have leaders dodging debate.

“I don’t think this requirement should apply to all political offices; for local government, it might not be required, but for the President and Vice National Assembly, members should be required to own a degree.”

Rep. Leke Abejide (ADC-Kogi) said the world had moved, and Nigeria should not be left behind, adding, “If we put a mediocre to head an important political office, we will end up in disaster.”

Rep. Alfred Iliah (APC-Jos) said educational qualifications remained important and were the bedrock of every society.

Rep. Mustapha Aliyu (APC-Sokoto) said the bill was long overdue, adding that education was the bedrock of the development of the society.

Rep. Kingsley Chinda (PDP-Rivers) also endorsed the bill, lamenting the decline in the standard of education.

 However, Aliyu Madaki(NNPP-Kano) offered a different perspective, saying his education level should not determine a political officeholder’s leadership quality.

“I have an MBA in financial management, but restricting others with qualifications will not carry all Nigerians along. All Nigerians should be allowed to participate and exercise their leadership qualities,” he said.

Rep. Bashir Sokoto (APC- Sokoto) also opposed the bill, stating,

“I propose that we allow the minimum requirement for political office holders to remain school-carried.”

Rep. Ahmed Jaha (APC-Borno) said passing the bill would negatively affect some sections of the country.

“Qualification alone is not a true taste of knowledge. We are making laws for good governance and peace in this country. We will not pass laws favouring only a small number of Nigerians,” he said.

Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, who presided over plenary, stepped down the bill after a heated debate.

(NAN)