Senate confirms Prof. Abayomi Fasina as non-career ambassador

The Senate on Thursday approved the appointment of Professor Abayomi Fasina from Lagos State as a non-career ambassadorial designate.

The confirmation came after lawmakers considered and adopted the report of the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs during plenary.

The committee’s report, chaired by Senator Sani Bello (APC, Niger North), was presented to the Senate by Senator Simon Lalong (APC, Plateau South).

With the Senate’s approval, Fasina has now been cleared to serve as a non-career ambassador, subject to the necessary procedures for his appointment.

Presenting the report, Lalong said, “That the Senate do receive and consider the report of the Committee on Foreign Affairs on the confirmation of the nomination of Professor Abayomi Sunday Fasina for appointment as Non-Career Ambassador/High-Commissioner of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

Soon after the presentation of the report, while some Senators kicked against his clearance, some were in support, especially Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Abdul Ningi (Bauchi Central).

Senator Cyril Fasuyi (APC, Ekiti North), a member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, who was number 12 on the list and also signed that he should be confirmed, however, kicked against it.

The committee, in its findings 6.0 item 4, stated: “that the accusation against Professor Fasina was investigated by competent authorities including the University Governing Council and the Nigeria Police, which both found the allegation false.”

In his remarks, Akpabio thanked the committee for the work, noting that the committee received reports from the Police, the Department of State Services (DSS) and the university council. He warned senators to take their assignments with respect and not rely on hearsay.

On July 7, 2026, a coalition of civil society organisations stormed the National Assembly, protesting against the nomination of Professor Fasina.

The protesters called on the Senate not to confirm the nominee over allegations of sexual harassment, human rights violations and victimisation currently before the court.

The coalition insisted that its campaign was aimed at promoting accountability, protecting victims of workplace sexual harassment, and preserving Nigeria’s credibility in the international community.

According to them, Professor Fasina had pending cases before the National Industrial Court in Lagos and Abuja and argued that the Senate should allow the judicial process to run its course before considering his confirmation.

Speaking on behalf of the coalition, Amira Adeyemo, a lawyer, said the protest was not driven by personal animosity but by a desire to protect Nigeria’s integrity and uphold justice.

“I am here as a concerned Nigerian and a member of civil society, not because I have any personal vendetta against Professor Abayomi Sunday Fasina. This issue is bigger than one individual,” Adeyemo said.

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