Senate confirms ex-FUOYE VC as non-career ambassador amid sexual harassment allegations

The Senate on Thursday confirmed the outgoing Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti, (FUOYE), Professor Abayomi Sunday Fasina as a non-career ambassadorial designate despite intense opposition over allegations of sexual harassment previously levelled against him.

The confirmation occurred following the presentation and adoption of a report by the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs chaired by Senator Sani Bello (APC, Niger North).

The report was presented by Senator Simon Lalong (APC, Plateau South).

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.”

Following the presentation of the report, some Senators kicked against his clearance while 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.

In its findings, the committee said the allegation against Fasina was investigated by competent authorities including the University Governing Council and the Nigeria Police, which both found it false.

Speaking, 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.

𝕤𝕖𝕖 𝕞𝕠𝕣𝕖/𝕨𝕒𝕥𝕔𝕙 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕧𝕚𝕕𝕖𝕠 𝕙𝕖𝕣𝕖