President Bola Tinubu has forwarded the nomination of the immediate past Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti, Prof. Abayomi Fashina, to the Senate for confirmation as a non-career ambassador/high commissioner-designate.
The request was conveyed in a letter read on the floor of the Senate during Wednesday’s plenary by Senate President, Godswill Akpabio. Tinubu said the nomination was made in accordance with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution as amended and urged lawmakers to expedite consideration of the request.
Following the presentation of the letter, Akpabio referred the nomination to the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs for screening and further legislative action. The committee was directed to scrutinise the nominee’s credentials and submit its report to the Senate within one week.
Under Nigeria’s constitutional framework, ambassadorial nominees are required to undergo Senate screening and confirmation before assuming office. The process assesses their professional background, public service record, competence and suitability for diplomatic assignments.
Fashina, a respected academic and former Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti, is expected to face legislative scrutiny during the screening exercise. If confirmed, he will join the ranks of Nigeria’s diplomatic representatives tasked with advancing the country’s foreign policy objectives and strengthening bilateral relations with other nations.
