President Bola Tinubu has formally requested the Senate to confirm the appointment of Professor Abayomi Fashina, immediate past Vice Chancellor of the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti, as a non-career ambassador and high commissioner-designate.
The request was conveyed in a letter read during Wednesday’s plenary by Senate President Godswill Akpabio. Tinubu explained that the nomination was made in line with constitutional provisions guiding diplomatic appointments and urged lawmakers to act swiftly.
“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,” the letter stated.
Akpabio subsequently referred the nomination to the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs for screening. The committee is expected to scrutinize Fashina’s credentials and submit its report within one week, after which the Senate will vote on his confirmation.
The appointment is part of the Tinubu administration’s broader effort to strengthen Nigeria’s diplomatic corps, with a mix of career and non-career envoys being deployed to strategic foreign missions.
By constitutional requirement, ambassadorial nominees must undergo Senate screening to assess their competence, professional background, and suitability for diplomatic service. Non-career ambassadors are typically drawn from academia, politics, public administration, and other sectors where they have demonstrated leadership and distinguished service.
Fashina, an academic and administrator, is widely recognized in Nigeria’s higher education sector, having served as Vice Chancellor of FUOYE. His nomination is expected to attract close legislative scrutiny during the screening process.
If confirmed, he will join other ambassadorial appointees tasked with advancing Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives, strengthening bilateral relations, and promoting the country’s economic and diplomatic interests abroad.
The Senate is expected to conclude consideration of the nomination once the Foreign Affairs Committee submits its report next week.
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