Three different family members, plus a close friend of Adesanmi’s and a Canadian official, confirmed the sad development to SaharaReporters. Until his death, Adesanmi was a Professor of English at Carleton University.
Pius Adesanmi, popular Nigerian professor and columnist based in Canada, was on the Ethiopian Airlines plane that crashed in the early hours of Sunday, SaharaReporters can confirm.
SaharaReporters had reported earlier on Sunday morning that an Ethiopian Airlines flight between Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and Nairobi, the Kenyan capital, crashed, killing 149 passengers and eight crew members aboard.
It has now emerged that Adesanmi, a native of Isanlu, in Yagba East Local Government area of Kogi State, was among the passengers.
Three different family members, plus a close friend of Adesanmi’s and a Canadian official, confirmed the sad development to SaharaReporters.
Until his death, Adesanmi was a Professor of English at Carleton University.
Carleton University has confirmed the death of Pius Adesanmi, describing him as a scholar and teacher of the highest calibre.
The university, via a statement on Sunday evening, said Adesanmi was one of the 18 Canadians, who died on the Ethiopian Airways flight from Addis Ababa Ethiopia to Nairobi Kenya.
Up until his death, Adesanmi was the Director at The Institute of African Studies (IAS) at Carleton University.
FULL STATEMENT BELOW
The Carleton community is shocked and devastated to learn of the death of Prof. Pius Adesanmi, who was among the 18 Canadians killed in today’s crash of an Ethiopian Airlines jet at the Addis Ababa airport.
Global Affairs Canada has confirmed that Adesanmi is among the victims.
“Pius was a towering figure in African and post-colonial scholarship and his sudden loss is a tragedy,” said Benoit-Antoine Bacon, president and vice-chancellor. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and all those who knew and loved him, and with everyone who suffered loss in the tragic crash in Ethiopia.”
“The contributions of Pius Adesnami to Carleton are immeasurable,” said Pauline Rankin, dean of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. “He worked tirelessly to build the Institute of African Studies, to share his boundless passion for African literature and to connect with and support students. He was a scholar and teacher of the highest calibre who leaves a deep imprint on Carleton.”
A further tribute about Adesanmi’s leadership and many contributions to the Carleton community will be shared as soon as possible.
Centre for Nigeria Progress 