Nigerian Senate Confirms Abayomi Fasina as Ambassador Despite Protests

The Nigerian Senate confirmed Abayomi Sunday Fasina, the outgoing Vice-Chancellor of Federal University Oye-Ekiti, as a non-career ambassador and high commissioner on July 16, 2026. The confirmation occurred despite significant opposition from lawmakers and civil society organizations, who staged protests at the National Assembly on July 7, 2026.

Opponents of the appointment, including Senator Cyril Fasuyi, cited pending cases in the National Industrial Court in Lagos and Abuja involving allegations of sexual harassment, human rights violations, and victimization. However, the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs reported that both the Nigeria Police and the university governing council had investigated these claims and found them to be false.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio and other legislators argued that the confirmation should be based on verified committee findings rather than hearsay. Senators Mohammed Tahir Monguno and Abdul Ningi emphasized the constitutional presumption of innocence, suggesting that any further disputes regarding the professor's career should be settled in court rather than on the Senate floor.