Stop Faking Degrees, Secondary School Certificate Adequate for Public Office – Sheu Sani

Stop Faking Degrees, Secondary School Certificate Adequate for Public Office – Shehu Sani

Former Kaduna Central Senator, Shehu Sani, has called on politicians to cease the practice of falsifying academic qualifications, asserting that a secondary school certificate is sufficient to contest elections or hold public office in Nigeria.

Sani, a renowned human rights activist and former lawmaker, warned political aspirants against inflating their academic credentials, stressing that such false claims often attract scrutiny from opponents and can damage careers.

Speaking via his X (formerly Twitter) handle on Monday, Sani said, “All you need to contest elections or for political appointment is a secondary school certificate. There is no way in the realm of politics one can claim any unearned qualifications without his or her political opponents digging into the matter. Some troubles are unnecessarily self-inflicted.”

He further urged politicians to focus on their capabilities and integrity rather than relying on falsified educational records, noting that honesty in public service is key to gaining public trust.

Sani’s admonition comes amid growing concerns over the number of politicians in Nigeria accused of submitting fake certificates to secure political positions, a trend that has attracted widespread criticism and legal challenges.