The Senate on Thursday, July 16, 2026, confirmed Professor Abayomi Sunday Fasina as a non-career ambassador after adopting the report of its Committee on Foreign Affairs.
The committee, chaired by Senator Sani Bello (APC, Niger North), recommended Fasina’s confirmation after concluding its review. Senator Simon Lalong (APC, Plateau South) presented the report during plenary.
The nomination sparked debate, with some senators urging caution over allegations previously made against the former Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE).
Backing the committee’s recommendation, Senate President Godswill Akpabio said the Senate relied on reports from the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force and the university’s governing council, all of which were considered during the screening process. He urged lawmakers to base confirmation decisions on verified findings rather than speculation.
READ ALSO: Tinubu Seeks Senate Approval For Fashina’s Ambassadorial Nomination
Senator Abdul Ningi (PDP, Bauchi Central) also supported the nomination, while Senator Cyril Fasuyi (APC, Ekiti North), a member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, opposed the confirmation during plenary despite being part of the committee that endorsed the report.
The committee stated that investigations by the Federal University Oye-Ekiti Governing Council and the Nigeria Police Force found no evidence to substantiate the allegations against Fasina.
The confirmation came days after a coalition of civil society organizations protested at the National Assembly on July 7, 2026, urging the Senate to suspend the nomination over allegations of sexual harassment, human rights violations and victimization, which it said were the subject of pending cases before the National Industrial Court in Lagos and Abuja.
Despite the objections, the Senate approved Fasina’s nomination, clearing him for appointment as one of Nigeria’s non-career ambassadors.