Missing Former ASUU President Dipo Fasina 'Jingo' Found in Turkey

Former President of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Dipo Fasina, popularly known as 'Jingo,' who was reported missing, has been located in Turkey. The Chairperson of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, confirmed the news and commended Nigeria's High Commission in Turkey for their collaborative efforts in finding Mr. Fasina.

The 76-year-old Mr. Fasina had been missing since Saturday, 1 July, sparking concerns among his friends, family, and the academic community.

However, NIDCOM announced via their official Twitter handle that he was found at the Istanbul Airport and would be returning to Nigeria on Monday.

According to NIDCOM's statement, Mr. Fasina was traveling to Algeria when he missed his connecting flight in Istanbul. The organization acknowledged the swift response of Nigeria's High Commission in Turkey, which promptly dispatched officials to locate him at the bustling airport.

Dipo Fasina is renowned for his scholarly contributions, activism, and unionism. He dedicated 34 years to teaching Philosophy at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in Ile-Ife, Nigeria, where he joined the faculty in 1979 after completing his PhD at the University of California, Los Angeles.

As a trustee of ASUU and the Chairperson of the Joint Action Front (JAF), a coalition of labor movements and civil societies advocating for pro-masses struggles in Nigeria, Mr. Fasina holds significant influence.

He hails from the Ashogbon royal family in Lagos and earned the nickname 'Jingo' from his students, who fondly referred to him by that name during his lectures.

Beyond his contributions to OAU, Mr. Fasina is credited with establishing the Philosophy department at Ogun State University (now Olabisi Onabanjo University) and donating his entitlements to establish a library.

Since retiring from OAU, he has continued to impart his knowledge by teaching Philosophy across various Nigerian universities.

The discovery of Dipo Fasina in Turkey brings relief to his loved ones and the academic community, who had been deeply concerned about his well-being during his brief disappearance.

His safe return to Nigeria will undoubtedly be a moment of celebration for those who admire his intellect, activism, and lifelong commitment to education.