Veteran music executive Jude Okoye has found himself at the center of a heated national conversation not about music, but about the qualifications for political leadership in Nigeria.
The CEO of Northside Entertainment took to his Instagram story this week with a bold suggestion: only university degree holders should be allowed to run for public office.
“How hard is it to reform our electoral act, making at least a uni bachelor’s degree a benchmark for qualification to run for any office in Nigeria?” Jude asked. “We can’t have the uneducated leading the educated. Makes zero sense.”
While some Nigerians applauded the sentiment as a call for accountability and higher standards in governance, many others have slammed it as tone-deaf and elitist, especially in a country where millions lack access to tertiary education.
Supporters argue that Jude Okoye is simply voicing what many think but rarely say: that the quality of leadership in Nigeria has suffered due to incompetence and lack of intellectual capacity. “I can’t imagine why the minimum Education qualification to run as President gor 9ja na Primary school certificate yet you need BSC and master degree to secure salary job for same country it does not make no sense.Imagine a governor having D7 across board and another one present Nepa bill as certificate.” one commenter asked.
Critics, however, believe the statement promotes classism and unfairly discredits individuals who may be educated in experience, values, or leadership but lack a formal certificate. “Acquisition of a university degree does not guarantee that one is educated. There are a lot of non-degre holders who are far more enlightened and articulate to handle and manage public resources than the paper licensed degree holders,” another user countered.
The conversation also raises broader questions about who gets to lead and what defines competence. Should leadership be measured by academic achievement alone? Or is integrity, vision, and lived experience just as critical?
Interestingly, Jude’s comment comes amid renewed friction between him and former label signee Cynthia Morgan, who once again accused him of financial dishonesty and stalling her music career. While some have used this to question his moral authority to speak on leadership, others have focused strictly on the merit of his message.
As Nigeria prepares for future elections, Okoye’s words have undeniably sparked a fresh wave of dialogue about what leadership should look like and who deserves a seat at the table.
Do you agree with Jude Okoye? Should Nigeria require politicians to have university degrees or does that limit the people’s right to choose their own leaders?
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