Senate Approves HND As Minimum Qualification To be President, Governor

Going without last minute changes, Higher National Diploma  (HND) or its equivalent is to become the minimum educational requirement from anyone seeking to be president or governor in Nigeria if the bill currently  before the Senate scales through.

Already, it has passed into second reading on the floor of the Senate on Thursday.

The bill seeks the alteration of section 65 (2) (a) of the Constitution, which deals with the qualifications for intending members of the National Assembly.

The sponsor of the bill, Senator Isfifanus Gyang, explained that the amendment sought to alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to provide for the amendment of Sections 65 (2) (a), and 131 (d).

It will also amend Section 106 (c) and Section 177 (d) on minimum educational qualification for those seeking election into the State Assembly, Governor, National Assembly and office of the President.

The current law, which the bill seeks to amend, reads: “A person shall be qualified for election under subsection (1) of this section if he has been educated up to at least School Certificate level or its equivalent.”