Dipo Fasina, a prominent figure in the academic community and former President of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), has been found after being reported missing. The news of his disappearance had caused concern among his colleagues and the wider Nigerian community.
Fasina, affectionately known as ‘Jingo’, had been missing since Saturday, July 1. However, on Sunday, The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) announced via a tweet that Fasina had been located at the Istanbul Airport in Turkey. The commission further stated that arrangements were being made for his return to Nigeria, with his departure scheduled for the following day.
The collaborative efforts of the Nigerian High Commission in Turkey and NIDCOM were instrumental in locating Fasina. The Nigerian Ambassador to Turkey promptly dispatched officials to physically search for him at the bustling Istanbul Airport. Despite the airport’s size and busyness, they were able to locate Fasina, bringing relief to his family, friends, and the academic community.
Fasina, who is 76 years old, had been traveling to Algeria when he reportedly missed his connecting flight in Istanbul. The circumstances surrounding his disappearance and the reasons for missing his flight have not been disclosed at this time.
The discovery of Fasina and his impending return to Nigeria have been met with gratitude and appreciation. NIDCOM expressed its thanks to the Nigerian High Commission in Turkey for their swift and effective response in ensuring Fasina’s safety. The collaborative effort between the commission and the high commission highlights the importance of international cooperation and support in times of crisis.
The academic community, particularly ASUU, rejoiced at the news of Fasina’s safe location. As a former President of ASUU, Fasina has played a significant role in advocating for the rights and welfare of university lecturers in Nigeria. His disappearance had raised concerns about his well-being and prompted efforts from various quarters to locate him.
With Fasina’s imminent return, his family, friends, and colleagues are relieved that he will soon be reunited with them. The circumstances surrounding his disappearance and his experience during the time he was missing remain unknown. However, the focus now is on his safe return and ensuring his well-being.
