Juliet Damilola
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, on Monday said it has become necessary to review section 131 (d) of the 1999 constitution in a bid to increase the minimum educational qualification for Nigerians aspiring for different political offices.
In a post on his verified Facebook page, the Speaker of the lower chamber said the educational requirement contained in the 1999 constitution is no longer fit with the current realities in the country.
Gbajabiamila insisted the issue of educational qualification of aspirants be included in the ongoing efforts by lawmakers to reform the country’s electoral system and establish a fully participatory democracy for Nigerians.
The post reads, “I also believe that the time has come for us to agree to review section 131 (d) of the 1999 constitution to increase the minimum educational qualification for persons aspiring to political office in Nigeria.
“The constitution requires a secondary school certificate or equivalent as the minimum academic qualification for high political office.
“This is the requirement for qualification to contest election for Governor, the national assembly and president. Ladies and gentlemen, this provision is the product of a different time and reflects the reality of that time.
“It is time to take another look at that position as part of the ongoing effort to reform our electoral system and establish a fully participatory democracy providing the capable leadership our country needs.