A former President of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Dipo Fasina, has been declared missing.
This development according to Premium Times Newspaper, an online media outlet was confirmed by the current President of the academic union, Emmanuel Osodeke, in a telephone interview
Mr Fasina, 76, was said to be travelling to Algeria at the invitation of the Algerian government when he reportedly missed his connecting flight from Istanbul, Turkey. His whereabouts have remained unknown since 1st of July 2023.
Also, the Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, also confirmed to PREMIUM TIMES that her organisation is aware and “we are working on it.”
Since his retirement from OAU, Mr Fasina has taught Philosophy across some Nigerian universities.
Meanwhile, many friends and associates of the missing scholar including bodies such as ASUU and JAF are working towards his safe return.
While speaking on Sunday, the ASUU president, Mr Osodeke, a professor, said the union is working hard to confirm the union’s leader’s whereabouts and ensure his return.
“Yes, we are aware of the development and we are working on it, so when we are through in the next two or three days we will let you know,” Mr Osodeke said on the phone.
Another associate of Mr Fasina who does not want to be quoted describing the matter as personal, confirmed that they may be travelling soon for the search.
“This is really a personal matter and not a media case. We are working to bring him back and he will be fine. I may have to travel any moment from now to bring him back,” the source said.
Also, in a terse message, Mrs Dabiri-Erewa confirmed that her organisation is working on the matter.
“Yes, we are aware, and we are on it,” she wrote.