Security analyst Dr. Sani Shinkafi has questioned the academic qualifications of the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, raising concerns about his suitability to oversee Nigeria’s defence and security architecture.
Speaking during an interview on Africa Independent Television (AIT), Shinkafi alleged that Matawalle’s academic records, as presented to the National Assembly during his ministerial screening in 2023, do not meet the equivalence of a Senior Secondary School Certificate (SSCE).
According to Shinkafi, the documents submitted to the National Assembly reportedly fall short of the minimum educational standard expected for an official entrusted with such a sensitive national responsibility. He argued that Nigeria’s defence leadership requires more than political experience, stressing the need for a solid educational and technical foundation in security, military affairs, or related fields.
He further noted that the issue reflects a broader problem within the defence sector, referencing the tenure of former Minister of Defence, Abubakar Badaru, who recently resigned. While acknowledging Badaru’s professional background as an accountant, Shinkafi said he also lacked direct military or security experience necessary for effective leadership of the defence ministry.
Shinkafi maintained that Nigeria’s escalating security challenges—including terrorism, banditry, and widespread violent crime—demand leaders with firsthand exposure to military operations, strategic defence planning, and a deep understanding of the country’s geographical and security vulnerabilities.
He warned that reliance solely on administrative or political credentials is inadequate in the current security climate, calling for the appointment of defence leaders with appropriate qualifications, technical competence, and expertise capable of designing and implementing robust national security policies.