A coalition of over 200 women’s rights organisations, civil society groups and prominent gender advocates have asked the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs to decline the confirmation of former Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), Prof. Abayomi Fasina, as Nigeria’s ambassador pending the conclusion of ongoing criminal and civil proceedings against him.
In a petition dated 25 June 2026 and addressed to Senate President Godswill Akpabio through the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, Senator Abubakar Sani Bello, the groups argued that confirming Fasina despite unresolved allegations of sexual harassment, abuse of office, victimisation and human rights violations would undermine Nigeria’s credibility and commitment to accountability.
Among signatories to the petition were former Minister of Education, Dr Oby Ezekwesili, the National Council of Women Societies (NCWS), Women Aid Collective (WACOL), Women at Risk International Foundation (WARIF), Women in Management, Business and Public Service (WIMBIZ), the Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Nigeria, Bring Back Our Girls, and the Nigerian Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ).
The petition, signed by Womanifesto co-convener, Dr Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, on behalf of the coalition, maintained that ambassadorial appointments were positions of public trust that require individuals with “the highest standards of integrity and impeccable conduct.”
The coalition said: “An ambassador serves as a representative of a nation’s identity and values. Given this important role, any candidate for an ambassadorial position must embody the highest standards of integrity and impeccable conduct.”
It warned that appointing an individual facing serious allegations and pending legal proceedings could expose Nigeria to “international ridicule” and damage the country’s reputation in the global community.
According to the petitioners, allegations against the former FUOYE vice-chancellor include sexual harassment of a female staff member, workplace victimisation and abuse of authority, claims they said are supported by a 37-minute audio recording already before the courts.
They noted that criminal proceedings initiated by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) against Fasina remain pending, while separate cases bordering on sexual harassment and victimisation are currently before the National Industrial Court in Abuja and Ikoyi.
“Those proceedings remain unresolved and notwithstanding the foregoing, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has nominated Professor Abayomi Fasina for appointment as Ambassador,” the groups stated.
The organisations further referenced a National Industrial Court judgment in Akingbe v FUOYE (NICN/AK/58/2018) in which the court reportedly awarded N40 million damages against the institution over breaches of fair hearing during Fasina’s administration.
They argued that the Senate’s constitutional responsibility in confirming nominees extends beyond checking formal qualifications to examining whether candidates possess the integrity, judgement and public standing required for public office.
“The constitutional presumption of innocence is a criminal law safeguard against premature findings of guilt. It does not compel the Senate to ignore relevant facts bearing on public confidence, suitability for office or institutional integrity,” the petition further reads.
The coalition warned that confirming Fasina while criminal proceedings remain active could weaken public confidence in anti-corruption institutions and send the wrong message about Nigeria’s commitment to combating sexual harassment and gender-based violence.
“A confirmation would send an adverse signal regarding Nigeria’s commitment to combating sexual harassment and gender-based discrimination,” the petitioners said, citing Nigeria’s obligations under the Constitution and international treaties including the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW).
The coalition urged the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs to suspend consideration of the nomination until all legal proceedings have been concluded.
“For these reasons, we respectfully urge the Committee to reject the confirmation of Professor Abayomi Sunday Fasina pending the final determination of all proceedings presently before competent courts,” the petition added.
However, a pro-FUOYE group, the Federal University Oye-Ekiti Progressives comprising students, alumni and staff members have dismissed the allegations as a politically motivated campaign aimed at tarnishing the image of the former vice-chancellor.
In a statement signed by its spokesman, Dr. Kehinde Alao, the group insisted that Prof. Fasina had been cleared by the police and successive governing councils of the university following investigations into the allegations.
“The police conducted a detailed probe and found no evidence of wrongdoing. Two successive Governing Councils of FUOYE examined the matters and exonerated him completely, even condemning attempts at blackmail.”
The group further urged President Bola Tinubu and the Senate to ignore what it described as “sponsored blackmail” and proceed with the confirmation process.
According to the group, Fasina transformed FUOYE during his five-year tenure, overseeing major infrastructural development, growth in student enrolment and increased internally generated revenue.
It claimed that under his leadership, the university’s student population rose from about 20,000 to over 60,000, while internally generated revenue increased from N2.3 billion to N12 billion.
“President Tinubu has put a round peg in a round hole. His expertise, proven leadership and commitment to excellence will bring immense benefits to Nigeria’s diplomatic efforts,” the group said.
The progressives also cited Fasina’s role in the construction of academic buildings, staff welfare initiatives and the promotion of over 100 professors during his tenure as evidence of his administrative competence