I abandoned my PhD in Nigeria after three days in kidnappers’ den — UK-based researcher
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Punch Newspaper
Reported by Ayoola Olasupo
Sat, 7 Nov 2026, 01:05
Photo courtesy of Punch Newspaper · Verified via News Stand NG
Source Attribution: Punch Newspaper
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Dr Ayodeji Afolami tells AYOOLA OLASUPO how a three-day kidnapping ordeal on his farm in Ogun State in 2021 shattered his sense of security, forced him to abandon his academic pursuit in Nigeria and relocate to the UK, where he rebuilt his life and earned a PhD in Sustainable Agriculture and Crop Production How did you begin your educational journey? I started my PhD in Crop Production at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, in 2019 and had completed my first year before I was abducted in 2021.
Context & Background
✦If there is one thing I would take from the experience, it is that what happens to you can change your direction, but it does not have to determine where you eventually end up.
Key Figures & Named Entities
2021:Dr Ayodeji Afolami tells AYOOLA OLASUPO how a three-day kidnapping ordeal on his farm in Ogun State in 2021 shattered his sense of security, forced him to abandon his academic pursuit in Nigeria and relocate to the UK, where he rebuilt his life and earned a PhD in Sustainable Agriculture and Crop Production How did you begin your educational journey?2021:I started my PhD in Crop Production at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, in 2019 and had completed my first year before I was abducted in 2021.2021:The incident happened on August 4, 2021, while I was at my farm in Ibara Orile, Abeokuta, Ogun State.
Outlook & Next Steps
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Key Takeaways
Verified Extract
✦Dr Ayodeji Afolami tells AYOOLA OLASUPO how a three-day kidnapping ordeal on his farm in Ogun State in 2021 shattered his sense of security, forced him to abandon his academic pursuit in Nigeria and relocate to the UK, where he rebuilt his life and earned a PhD in Sustainable Agriculture and Crop Production How did you begin your educational journey?
✦I started my PhD in Crop Production at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, in 2019 and had completed my first year before I was abducted in 2021.
✦If there is one thing I would take from the experience, it is that what happens to you can change your direction, but it does not have to determine where you eventually end up.
Key Facts:2021: Dr Ayodeji Afolami tells AYOOLA OLASUPO how a three-day kidnapping ordeal on his farm in Ogun State in 2021 shattered his sense of security, forced him to abandon his academic pursuit in Nigeria and relocate to the UK, where he rebuilt his life and earned a PhD in Sustainable Agriculture and Crop Production How did you begin your educational journey?2021: I started my PhD in Crop Production at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, in 2019 and had completed my first year before I was abducted in 2021.2021: The incident happened on August 4, 2021, while I was at my farm in Ibara Orile, Abeokuta, Ogun State.2021: In 2021, I wondered whether I would survive and see my family again.
Editorial Excerpt
Dr Ayodeji Afolami tells AYOOLA OLASUPO how a three-day kidnapping ordeal on his farm in Ogun State in 2021 shattered his sense of security, forced him to abandon his academic pursuit in Nigeria and…
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Dr Ayodeji Afolami tells AYOOLA OLASUPO how a three-day kidnapping ordeal on his farm in Ogun State in 2021 shattered his sense of security, forced him to abandon his academic pursuit in Nigeria and relocate to the UK, where he rebuilt his life and earned a PhD in Sustainable Agriculture and Crop Production How did you begin your educational journey?
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I started my PhD in Crop Production at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, in 2019 and had completed my first year before I was abducted in 2021.
What timeline or key figures were confirmed?
Dr Ayodeji Afolami tells AYOOLA OLASUPO how a three-day kidnapping ordeal on his farm in Ogun State in 2021 shattered his sense of security, forced him to abandon his academic pursuit in Nigeria and relocate to the UK, where he rebuilt his life and earned a PhD in Sustainable Agriculture and Crop Production How did you begin your educational journey?
