President Bola Tinubu has formally asked the Senate to confirm the appointment of the immediate past Vice Chancellor of the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti, Prof. Abayomi Fashina, as a non-career ambassador/high commissioner-designate.
The request was contained in a letter transmitted to the upper legislative chamber and read during Wednesday’s plenary by Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.
Tinubu in the correspondence, said the nomination was made in line with constitutional provisions governing diplomatic appointments and urged lawmakers to consider the request expeditiously.
“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.
“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,” the letter reads.
Following the reading of the letter, Akpabio referred the nomination to the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs for screening and further legislative action.
The committee was mandated to conduct the necessary scrutiny of the nominee and submit its report to the Senate within one week, paving the way for a final confirmation vote by lawmakers.
The nomination comes amid ongoing efforts by the Tinubu administration to strengthen Nigeria’s diplomatic corps following the appointment of several career and non-career envoys to represent the country in strategic foreign missions.
Under Nigeria’s constitutional framework, ambassadorial nominees must be screened and confirmed by the Senate before they can assume office.
Also Read: Tinubu appoints Elebute as FRC board chairman
The process typically involves an assessment of their professional background, public service record, competence, and suitability for diplomatic assignments.
Non-career ambassadors are usually drawn from outside the country’s professional foreign service and are often selected from academia, politics, public administration, business, and other sectors where they have demonstrated distinguished service and leadership.
Fashina, an academic and administrator served as Vice Chancellor of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti and is widely known within Nigeria’s higher education sector.
His nomination is expected to attract legislative scrutiny during the screening process, where senators will evaluate his credentials and readiness to represent Nigeria’s interests abroad.
If confirmed, Fashina will join the growing list of ambassadorial appointees expected to advance Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives, deepen bilateral relations, and promote the country’s economic and diplomatic interests across the international community.
The Senate’s consideration of the nomination is expected to be concluded after the Foreign Affairs Committee submits its report to the chamber next week.
PUNCH NEWS
