Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, has suggested to the National Assembly to review the provisions of the section 131 (d) of the 1999 constitution as it relates to minimum educational qualifications for public offices in the country.
The Speaker made the case while delivering the 52nd convocation lecture of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) titled: “Building Back Better: Creating a New Framework for Tertiary Education in Nigeria in the 21st Century.”
Gbajabiamila, an alumnus of the university, said as the country is approaching another year of general elections, it has become imperative to raise the minimum educational qualification for persons aspiring to the office Presidents of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“As the country is faced with yet another election in 2023; prior to the 2019 elections, we succeeded in amending the Constitution to effect the ‘Not Too Young to Run’ request and ensure the eligibility of young people to aspire to high offices in the land by reducing the eligible age for political offices.
“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.
He added: “As we have reduced the age for eligibility to contest those offices so also, we should increase the minimum educational requirement.”
This he argued will be another step in reforming the country’s electoral system and provide strong leadership for the country.
On the controversial electoral reform bills, the Speaker expressed the hope that a Direct Primary election method will lead to increased and greater participation in the leadership recruitment process.
He charged the citizens and the leadership of the National Assembly to move away from considerations of small things, and focus on the pursuit and achievement of grand ambitions that could save the future.
He advocated a collaboration to raise a new but conscientious generation of Nigerians in whose hearts the light of understanding is lit and cannot be put out.
Gbajabiamila decried the rot in the education sector, saying sexual harassment must be effectively tackled beyond media hypes and occasional sacks.
“We cannot aspire to build 21st century institutions capable of competing effectively in the global space when this issue remains a reoccurring cause for concern.
“And we will not solve this problem through occasional purges brought on by external denunciations in the press or on social media, but by reconsidering how our tertiary institutions operate as a matter of urgency of course.”
He suggested the adoption across the board a system of zero tolerance for individuals, students or workers, who are credibly accused of harassment, intimidation, and any infringements of individual autonomy.
The lead lawmaker also made a case for the setting up of an independent panel made up of persons of integrity and unquestionable authority, to evaluate the credibility of complaints, taking only relevant variables into consideration and, after that propose a course of action to which the university must be bound.
“Our universities must be places of learning and innovation where people feel safe and where injustice in all its forms has no place.”
To the graduating students, Gbajabiamila said: “I congratulate you all most heartily on your achievement.
“This is a historical moment fraught with opportunity and peril. And you are fortunate because, throughout recorded history, it is in times such as this that men and women of talent and ability make their name and build their fortune.
“As you enter the world, allow me to share a few lessons I have learned on my own journey over the nearly four decades since I sat where you now sit. I hope that these lessons will guide you to achieve your highest potential,” he added.
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, lauded the contributions of Rt. Hon. Gbajabiamila and other friends of the university for their support in various ways, saying such assistance have contributed to the enviable status the institution had attained over the years.
Ogundipe commended the roles played by the Senator Lanre Tejuoso, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman Governing Council for restoring peace to the institution when it mattered most and charged other management and staff of the university to continue in that spirit as UNILAG attains 60 years.