Professor Abayomi Fasina: Scholar-administrator poised to excel as Nigeria’s ambassador

By Justina Nwankwo

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s nomination of Professor Abayomi Sunday Fasina, the immediate past Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), as a non-career ambassador represents a commendable and strategic choice. In an era when Nigeria seeks to project competence, integrity, and innovative thinking on the global stage, appointing a proven academic leader and expert in a critical sector like agriculture sends a powerful signal.

Professor Fasina’s track record as both a distinguished scholar and a transformative administrator makes him exceptionally qualified to serve the nation’s interests abroad. 
As a Professor of Soil Science, Fasina brings deep academic credentials to the role. With over 140 scholarly publications and numerous research grants and awards to his name—including recognitions as an Outstanding Administrator and Scholar—he embodies the intellectual rigor that has long defined Nigeria’s best minds in diplomacy.

His expertise in agricultural soil science is particularly timely. Nigeria and Africa face pressing challenges in food security, climate resilience, and sustainable agriculture. As a diplomat, Professor Fasina is uniquely positioned to champion international cooperation in these areas—forging partnerships for technology transfer, joint research initiatives, climate-smart farming solutions, and investment in food production systems. His background will enable him to engage meaningfully with global institutions, development partners, and nations focused on sustainability, thereby enhancing Nigeria’s soft power and contributing to broader African goals under frameworks like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and Agenda 2063. 

Fasina’s administrative acumen further strengthens his candidacy. Appointed Vice-Chancellor in 2021, he inherited a young university still in its formative cradle phase. Under his leadership, FUOYE underwent remarkable transformation. The institution expanded from 8 to 18 faculties, academic programmes from 73 to 91, directorates from 1 to 19, and added five new institutes. Student enrolment surged dramatically—from around 20,000 to over 60,000—elevating it to the fourth most subscribed university in Nigeria. All programmes secured accreditation, new high-demand courses like Medicine, Cybersecurity, and Forensic Accounting were introduced, infrastructure boomed (including over 160 projects), internet connectivity improved, and internally generated revenue grew by an impressive 310 percent. He prioritized staff welfare, student support, and innovation, earning multiple awards such as the Best Vice-Chancellor Award from Independent Newspapers and others for excellence in administration. 

This growth was not accidental but the result of clear vision, effective management, delegation, and resilience amid challenges. Professor Fasina’s tenure demonstrates the very qualities diplomacy demands: strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, crisis management, and the ability to build institutions that command respect.

Nigeria has a proud history of leveraging scholars and university leaders in diplomacy. Examples include Professor Adebowale Adefuye, a distinguished historian who served as Ambassador to the United States, and Professor Isaak Folorunso Adewole, former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan and a nominee for ambassadorial posting. Professor Monique Oshame Ekpong, a Professor of English, has excelled as Ambassador to Angola. These precedents show that academic leaders bring intellectual depth, credibility, and a global outlook that enriches Nigeria’s foreign service.

Professor Fasina fits perfectly in this tradition. 
It is unfortunate that some unscrupulous elements continue to dredge up old allegations from Professor Fasina’s tenure, primarily claims of sexual harassment and administrative misconduct. These have been thoroughly investigated and roundly dismissed.

The police conducted a detailed probe and found no evidence of wrongdoing. Two successive Governing Councils of FUOYE, including one led by Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba, examined the matters—including through dedicated panels—and exonerated him completely, even condemning attempts at blackmail. These clearances affirm his integrity. The persistent referencing of cleared allegations appears to be a deliberate effort to undermine a capable leader rather than engage with facts.

Nigerians deserve better than character assassination; public discourse should focus on verifiable achievements and forward-looking contributions. 

In nominating Professor Abayomi Fasina, 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—particularly in advancing food security, sustainable development, and international partnerships.

Africa stands to gain as well from a voice that understands both scholarly inquiry and practical administration. This appointment is not just a reward for service but a smart investment in Nigeria’s global future. The Senate should move swiftly to confirm this outstanding choice.

Nwankwo, a public affairs analyst, writes from Lagos