The Senate has commenced consideration of the nomination of former Vice Chancellor of the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti, Prof. Abayomi Fashina, following a formal request from President Bola Tinubu seeking his confirmation as a non-career ambassador/high commissioner-designate.
The request was conveyed in a letter addressed to the Senate and presented during Wednesday’s plenary session by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
In the correspondence, Tinubu informed lawmakers that the nomination was made in accordance with constitutional provisions regulating diplomatic appointments and appealed for prompt legislative action on the matter.
“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 reads.
Attached herewith is the nominee’s curriculum vitae.”
“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.”
Following the presentation of the letter, Akpabio referred the nomination to the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs for further examination and legislative processing.
The committee was directed to carry out the screening of the nominee and submit its findings to the Senate within one week, after which lawmakers are expected to decide on the confirmation.
READ ALSO: Tinubu Submits Sixty-Five Ambassadorial Nominees To Senate For Confirmation
Fashina’s nomination comes as the Federal Government continues efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s diplomatic representation through the appointment of both career and non-career envoys to key foreign missions.
Under the Nigerian Constitution, ambassadorial nominees must undergo Senate screening and secure legislative approval before assuming office.
The process typically evaluates their qualifications, public service experience, professional competence and overall suitability for diplomatic responsibilities.
Unlike career diplomats drawn from the foreign service, non-career ambassadors are often selected from other fields, including academia, politics, business and public administration, based on their records of leadership and service.
Fashina, a respected academic and administrator, previously served as Vice Chancellor of the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti and has earned recognition within Nigeria’s higher education sector.
His nomination is expected to receive close scrutiny during the screening exercise, where senators will assess his credentials and capacity to effectively represent Nigeria’s interests on the international stage.
If approved by the Senate, Fashina will join the ranks of ambassadorial appointees tasked with promoting Nigeria’s foreign policy goals, strengthening bilateral partnerships and advancing the nation’s diplomatic and economic interests globally.
The Senate is expected to conclude consideration of the nomination after receiving the report of the Foreign Affairs Committee next week.