Here’s the reality many people avoid talking about.

To become a university lecturer in Nigeria, you need at least a Master’s degree with a good academic record. In many federal universities today, a PhD is almost becoming the standard. You are expected to publish research papers, have academic competence, and also possess your NYSC discharge or exemption certificate.
Even for regular public service jobs in Nigeria, there are requirements. Applicants are expected to be educated, properly documented, and qualified. You need certificates, identification, NYSC documents, and other official records before you can even be considered.
And I’m not even talking about banks and the private sector yet, where the standards can be even stricter.
Now compare that to politics.
According to the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), a person contesting for the office of President or Governor only needs to be educated up to School Certificate level or its equivalent. Over time, court interpretations have reduced this standard so much that even a First School Leaving Certificate (Primary School Certificate) can qualify someone.
Then we wonder why, in many cases, the worst among us end up leading the best among us.
This is not about insulting anybody. It is about asking serious questions about leadership and national development. If teachers, lecturers, bankers, civil servants, and professionals are expected to meet high standards before handling responsibilities, then leadership positions that control the future of millions of people should not have the lowest standards.
We need to raise the bar.
We need stronger standards for leadership.
We need competent, prepared, and accountable people in government.
Bad actors should not be allowed anywhere near the political space, because the decisions they make affect the lives of everyone including the educated, hardworking, and qualified citizens.
Nigeria will be OK ✌️
Shalom 🙏