Currently, Article 9, Section 9.1, Subsections 3 and 4 of the Nigerian Scholars in Germany (NiSIG) constitution says that:

3. Candidates who wish to vie for any elective position must be enrolled at a university or a recognized institute of learning in Germany or must have studied in Germany no more than three years prior to the date of their (bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate) graduation.

4. Candidates must provide proof of graduation or proof of enrollment, which shall be verified by members of the Electoral Committee or the Secretary General of the organization.

Unfortunately, this clause excludes Nigerians who live and work in Germany but who did not receive an education in Germany. It is a fact that every individual has a unique journey and the manner in which each person ends up in Germany is also unique to that person. As such, given our individual journeys, it is unreasonable to mandate that only Nigerians who have studied in Germany have a right to lead an association of Nigerians living in Germany.

Any Nigerian who is studying or has studied on Germany or is gainfully employed by a public or private institution within Germany should be eligible for membership within the association. Furthermore, such a person should be eligible to vote and be voted for. It should not matter whether a person who works in Germany has received their education outside of Germany. The critical factor is that they're a Nigerian legally residing and working or studying in Germany and have shown a desire to contribute to the association.

We kindly request the current NiSIG executive to look into this petition and make the necessary amendments. It is never too late.