President Bola Tinubu has asked the Senate to confirm the immediate past Vice Chancellor of the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), Prof. Abayomi Fashina, as a non-career ambassador/high commissioner-designate.
The request was conveyed in a letter read on the floor of the Senate on Wednesday by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during plenary.
In the correspondence, Tinubu said the nomination was made in line with the provisions of the Constitution and urged the upper chamber to consider it expeditiously.
The letter read: “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.”
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 directed to scrutinise the nominee and report back to the Senate within one week.
If confirmed, Fashina will join the list of ambassadorial appointees expected to represent Nigeria in foreign missions.
Under Nigeria’s constitutional process, ambassadorial nominees must be screened and confirmed by the Senate before assuming office.
Fashina, an academic and administrator, recently completed his tenure as Vice Chancellor of the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti.
His nomination is expected to come under legislative scrutiny during the screening process, where senators will assess his credentials and suitability for diplomatic service.
