Senior academics at the Federal University Oye Ekiti and the National Association of Nigerian Students have endorsed the ambassadorial nomination of the institution's immediate past Vice Chancellor, Prof. Abayomi Sunday Fasina, expressing confidence that his appointment will strengthen Nigeria's international standing and deepen educational collaborations abroad.

President Bola Tinubu recently nominated Fasina as a non career ambassador/high commissioner designate, with the appointment awaiting Senate confirmation.

The Dean of Student Affairs at FOUYE, Prof. Tope Babalola, said Fasina's nomination reflected his outstanding contributions to higher education and his capacity to deliver on national assignments.

"Fasina embodies the advancement of education, not only in FOUYE but in Nigeria generally. As a matter of fact, many of the calls I have received since the announcement of his nomination have come from the national leadership of NANS and student union leaders in FOUYE. All their comments centred on the belief that Fasina's appointment will definitely attract immense benefits to Nigerian students and the entire education sector, based on his proven track record. I worked closely with him as Head of Department and can attest to his exceptional leadership qualities," Babalola said.

NANS Head of Administration Taiwo Owolewa described Fasina as the architect of FOUYE's transformation into one of the fastest growing universities in Sub Saharan Africa.

"He repositioned the university to the extent that it is now competing favourably with institutions that have existed for decades. We are confident that if he is given the opportunity, he will perform even better in his diplomatic assignment. Nigerian students will benefit immensely from his appointment because he is passionate about seeing young people grow and succeed," Owolewa said.

The Dean of the Faculty of Computer and Information Engineering, Dr Dayo Sobowale, who worked directly with Fasina, said the former Vice Chancellor raised FOUYE's financial base from ₦2 billion to ₦12 billion through strategic collaborations and also established the Directorate of Linkages and Advancement to attract grants and international partnerships.

"With his vast international exposure and network, I have no doubt he will attract more investments, partnerships and opportunities that will benefit both Nigeria and Nigerians," Sobowale said.

The Dean of the Faculty of Law, Dr Adeola Kehinde, said Fasina's record at FOUYE, particularly in infrastructure development, human capacity building and institutional growth, gave strong grounds for optimism about his diplomatic role.

"He established numerous international partnerships that are still active today. As an ambassador, he will be in a better position to facilitate stronger collaborations between Nigerian universities and institutions in his country of posting, thereby creating more opportunities for research, academic exchange and institutional development," Kehinde said