The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, has advocated for an increase in the minimum educational qualification for candidates vying for the position of president and other elective positions in the country.
Gbajabiamila, who spoke on Monday at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Akoka, as the university’s 52nd convocation lecturer, said Section 131 (d) of the 1999 constitution, which addresses the minimum educational requirement for presidency, does not align with the current realities and needs of the modern times.
The Speaker spoke on the theme; “Building Back Better: Creating a New Framework for Tertiary Education in Nigeria in the 21st Century.”
He said, “I also sincerely believe that the National Assembly needs to look into section 131 (d) of the 1999 constitution with a view to increasing the minimum educational qualification for persons aspiring to be future Presidents of Nigeria and other top offices including the National Assembly as against the current minimum requirement of a Secondary School Certificate or its equivalent.
“As we have reduced the age for eligibility to contest those offices, so also, we should increase the minimum educational requirement. It will be another step in reforming our electoral system and providing strong leadership for the country.”
