Tinubu seeks Senate confirmation of ex-FUOYE VC as ambassador

President Bola Tinubu has formally requested the Nigerian Senate to confirm the appointment of Professor Abayomi Fashina as a non-career ambassador/high commissioner-designate. The nomination, submitted in a letter read during a plenary session, aligns with constitutional provisions for diplomatic appointments.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced the president's request, stating that the nomination of Professor Abayomi Sunday-Fashina is in accordance with Section 121 of the Nigerian Constitution. The letter included the nominee's curriculum vitae and urged the Senate to consider the confirmation expeditiously. Following the reading, Akpabio referred the nomination to the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs for screening and a subsequent report within one week.

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In accordance with the provisions of section 121, subsections 2, 3, and 4 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, as amended, I am pleased to present for confirmation by the Senate the nomination of Professor Abayomi Sunday-Fashina as non-career ambassador/high commissioner-designate.

This nomination is part of the Tinubu administration's broader efforts to strengthen Nigeria's diplomatic corps. The process requires nominees to undergo screening by the Senate to assess their professional background, public service record, competence, and suitability for representing Nigeria abroad. Non-career ambassadors are typically selected from fields outside the professional foreign service, often from academia, politics, or public administration.

Professor Fashina, an academic and administrator, previously served as the Vice Chancellor of the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti, and is well-known within Nigeria's higher education sector. His nomination is expected to face legislative scrutiny as senators evaluate his credentials and readiness to advance Nigeria's foreign policy objectives.

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Whilst I hope that the Senate will consider and confirm the nominee expeditiously, please accept, distinguished Senate President and distinguished senators, the assurances of my highest consideration.