Former Governor of Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, has called for a constitutional review to raise the minimum educational qualification for elective public offices in Nigeria, proposing that only individuals with at least a Bachelor’s Degree or Higher National Diploma (BSc/HND) should be eligible to contest for positions such as President, Governor, and other national offices.
Amosun made this call in Ibadan, Oyo State, while delivering a lecture at the 2nd Lam Adesina Annual Lecture Series, themed “Sustaining a Legacy of Effective Leadership in Nigeria.” The event was held in honour of the late former Governor of Oyo State, Alhaji Lam Adesina.
The former governor argued that effective leadership in today’s world requires intellectual depth, analytical ability, and a sound grasp of governance dynamics, insisting that public office should not serve as “a refuge for the unprepared” but as a platform for competent and visionary leaders. He lamented that despite Nigeria’s vast human and natural resources, the country continues to grapple with poor governance, insecurity, unemployment, and poverty, which he attributed to leadership failure.
“Since independence, our country has fluctuated between hope and setbacks, largely due to the absence of sustained, effective leadership,” Amosun said.
Amosun further advocated for the reintroduction of civic education and history into Nigeria’s school curriculum, as well as the strengthening of institutions that promote transparency and accountability. He emphasized that democracy thrives only when citizens are informed, active, and engaged, warning that ignorance and apathy among the populace pave the way for authoritarianism and abuse of power.
“Democracy thrives not only on good leaders but on informed and active citizens,” he noted. “Where citizens are passive or indifferent, leadership easily degenerates into despondency, abuse of power, and lack of accountability.”
The former governor also called for stringent measures against corruption, urging that any leader convicted of corruption or abuse of office — including complicit family members or associates — be barred for life from holding public office. He described corruption as “the greatest betrayal of leadership.”
Amosun concluded by urging Nigerians to emulate the values of the late Lam Adesina, particularly his integrity, service, and commitment to education.
“The journey to effective leadership begins with one step — the decision to do right, however small the opportunity,” he said. “Let us sustain the legacy of Lam Adesina not only by remembering his name but by continuing his work — building an educated, just, and responsible society.”
The lecture also featured goodwill messages from dignitaries, including the National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ajibola Bashiru; the representative of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Mr. Sunday Dare; and former Senator Monsurat Sunmonu, among others, who all extolled Lam Adesina’s leadership qualities and enduring legacy.
