Forget the Certificates, Let’s Face the Job
Engagements with Chidi Amuta I am endlessly enthralled by a recent viral social media story. A bright young man in Kenya became enamoured of the legal profession by being in
A Kenyan man enamoured by the legal profession, entered the world of law after observing its workings regularly. He started defending clients in court and won 26 cases before being exposed by the government. He won his own case against the government, highlighting the importance of practical outcomes over paper qualifications. This story serves to debunk the belief that only formal qualifications matter when it comes to delivering effective results.
Nigerian politicians are currently fixated on President Bola Tinubu's lack of primary and secondary school certificates, as they prepare for the January elections. They question his eligibility due to his missing educational credentials and inability to trace his family origins. This debate is far from new, with political critics such as Bode George, Omoyele Sowore, Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Chidi Odinkalu joining the conversation.
However, the author argues that Tinubu's extensive public service record should be considered more valuable than his missing certificates. He has held various public offices, participated in numerous budget sessions, delivered speeches, attended meetings, and made presentations across multiple continents. The author suggests that the nation should focus on Tinubu's accomplishments rather than his academic background, as it is unreasonable to demand strict educational qualifications for public office-holding in Nigeria.
The author believes that the system must prioritize the character and integrity of political candidates over their academic achievements. A candidate who defrauds the system by presenting fraudulent documents should be held accountable. However, the author also acknowledges that the nation needs to evaluate the qualifications of its leaders, as having unqualified individuals in power can have detrimental effects on the country.
In summary, the author encourages the nation to focus on capable and competent leaders rather than getting caught up in debates about paperwork and certificates.
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