The Senate has passed for second reading, a constitution amendment bill which prescribes Higher National Diploma or its equivalent as the educational qualification required for anyone seeking to run for the office of President or state governors.

The bill sponsored by Plateau North Senator, Istifanus Gyang, also prescribes National Diploma or its equivalent as the minimum qualification for federal and state lawmakers.
 
The bill seeks to alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to provide for the amendment of Sections 65 (2) (a), and 131 (d).

Galaxy’s Godfrey Eshiemoghie reports that the current law in Nigeria, which the bill seeks to amend requires at least the School Certificate level or its equivalent to run for public office up to the position of the country’s President.

Meanwhile, the constitution amendment bill for an Act to alter the provisions of the constitution to replace the name “Nigerian Police Force” with “Nigeria Police” also scaled second reading during plenary in the Senate.

Other Bills that scaled second reading during Thursday’s plenary include those making funding for security agencies be on First Line charge as well as that to provide for the establishment of state police and to ensure effective community policing, among others.