Senate Confirms Professor Fasina as Non-Career Ambassador Despite Protest

The Senate on Thursday confirmed Professor Abayomi Sunday Fasina as a non-career ambassador and high commissioner-designate, following weeks of protests from civil society groups over allegations against the nominee.

The confirmation followed consideration of a report from the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, chaired by Senator Sani Bello (APC, Niger North). The report was presented on the floor by Senator Simon Lalong (APC, Plateau South), who asked the Senate to receive and approve the committee’s findings on Fasina’s nomination.

President Bola Tinubu had earlier forwarded Fasina’s name to the Senate for confirmation, in line with constitutional provisions governing the appointment of non-career diplomatic envoys. Fasina is the immediate past Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) in Ekiti State.

The report generated debate among lawmakers. Some senators, including Adams Oshiomhole, raised objections to Fasina’s clearance, while others supported the committee’s recommendation. Senator Cyril Fasuyi (APC, Ekiti North), a member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, also expressed reservations despite having earlier signed off on the nominee’s confirmation.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Abdul Ningi (Bauchi Central) backed the committee’s recommendation. According to the committee’s report, allegations made against Fasina had been investigated by the university’s governing council and the police, both of which found the claims unsubstantiated.

Speaking on the floor, Akpabio said the Senate relied on findings from the police, the Department of State Services and the university council, and cautioned lawmakers against basing decisions on unverified claims. He urged senators to carry out their responsibilities based on facts and evidence rather than hearsay.

The confirmation comes after a coalition of civil society organisations protested at the National Assembly on July 7, calling on the Senate to reject Fasina’s nomination. The protesters cited allegations of sexual harassment, human rights violations and victimisation that they said remain before the courts, and argued that the Senate should allow judicial processes to conclude before proceeding with confirmation. The coalition said its campaign was intended to promote accountability and protect victims of workplace harassment.

The allegations trace back to a matter involving Folasade Adebayo, a then deputy director at FUOYE, who reported harassment and alleged subsequent victimisation after declining advances attributed to Fasina. The matter also drew the attention of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission. Fasina has not been convicted in connection with the allegations, which remain the subject of pending cases before the National Industrial Court in Lagos and Abuja.

Despite the objections raised on the floor, the Senate adopted the committee’s report, confirming Fasina’s appointment as a non-career ambassador and high commissioner-designate.

With Senate confirmation secured, Fasina is expected to proceed through the remaining steps of formal appointment before assuming his diplomatic posting.