Senate Confirms FUOYE VC Fasina as Non-Career Ambassador

On Thursday, the Nigerian Senate confirmed Professor Abayomi Fasina, the outgoing Vice Chancellor of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti, as a non-career ambassador. This confirmation followed the consideration of a report from the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, chaired by Senator Sani Bello, which recommended Fasina's appointment.

Despite the recommendation, the confirmation sparked debate among lawmakers, including opposition from Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Abdul Ningi. Senator Cyril Fasuyi, a member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, signed the report endorsing Fasina.

The Senate's decision came despite protests from a coalition of civil society organizations on July 7, which urged the Senate to reject the nomination due to allegations of sexual harassment and human rights violations against Fasina. The coalition argued that the matter was still pending in court and that confirming Fasina would undermine Nigeria's international reputation.

However, investigations by the Nigeria Police Force found no evidence to support the allegations.