By Lizzy Chirkpi
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has nominated the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Professor Abayomi Sunday Fashina, for appointment as a non-career ambassador/high commissioner-designate and forwarded his name to the Senate for confirmation.
The nomination was formally communicated in a letter read during Wednesday’s plenary by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
In the letter, President Tinubu said the nomination was made in accordance with constitutional provisions and requested the Senate to give it speedy consideration.
“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.”
The President further urged lawmakers to expedite action on the request.
“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,” the letter read.
Fashina’s nomination marks a significant diplomatic appointment for the renowned academic, who currently serves as Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Nigeria’s premier university.
Under Nigeria’s diplomatic framework, non-career ambassadors are political or professional appointees selected from outside the foreign service and are subject to Senate screening and confirmation before assuming office.
The Senate is expected to refer the nomination to the appropriate committee for screening and subsequent presentation of its report to the chamber for consideration and confirmation.