The Senate has passed for second reading a bill which seeks to make Higher National Diploma (HND) or its equivalent the mimimum educational qualification for anyone seeking to contest the office of the president or governor in Nigeria.
The bill sponsored by Senator Isfifanus Gyang (PDP, Plateau) also seeks to make Ordinary National Diploma (OND) or its equivalent the minimum qualification for federal and state lawmakers.
Furthermore, the bill also seeks to alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to provide for the amendment of Sections 65 (2) (a), and 131 (d), amend Section 106 (c) and Section 177 (d) on minimum education qualification for those seeking election into the State Assembly, Governor, National Assembly and office of the President.
Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, has since referred the bill to the Committee on Constitution Review, which is chaired by Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege (APC, Delta) for further legislative action.
