A Constitution Alteration Bill in the Senate, sponsored by Senator Istifanus Gyang (PDP, Plateau) seeks to increase the minimum educational qualification of candidates contesting for the offices of President, Governor, National and State Assembly legislators. Presently, the 1999 Nigerian Constitution stipulates School Certificate level or its equivalent as educational qualification for election to the office of President (section 131), Governor (section 177), as well as to the National and State Assemblies (section 65 and 106). <\/p>\n\n\n\n
This bill proposes that\na person running for the office of President of Governor should possess a minimum educational qualification of\nHigher National Diploma or its equivalent, while a person contesting for a seat\nin the National Assembly of a State\nHouse of Assembly should possess a minimum of a National Diploma or its\nequivalent. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Several reforms are\nbeing sought and implemented to improve the electoral system and the quality of\ngovernance. The qualifications of elected public office holders have frequently\ncome into question in relation to their capability to steer the affairs of\ngovernment. Allegations of certificate forgery have been rife among elected\npoliticians and those contesting elections. In one instance, a governor-elect\nlost his seat due to a certificate forgery allegation levelled against the\ndeputy governor-elect. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The argument is often\nmade that as certain careers require a stipulated level of educational qualifications,\nindividuals with responsibilities as important as being at the nation\u2019s helm of\naffairs, ought to possess significant educational qualifications as a\npre-requisite, in addition to other desirable qualities, in order to be deemed\ncapable to perform in such positions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n