Carleton University has expressed shock and devastation over the death of Nigerian-born writer and literary critic, Prof Pius Adesanmi, which occurred in an Ethiopian Airlines crash on Sunday.
Global Affairs Canada confirmed that Adesanmi was one of the 18 Canadians killed in the air crash that claimed a total of 157 lives.
“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 of Carleton University. “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 Adesanmi 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,” the school said.
Born in Isanlu, in Yagba East Local Government area of Kogi State, Nigeria, Adesanmi had a BA (first class honours) from the University of Ilorin in 1992, a masters in French from the University of Ibadan in 1998 and a PhD in French Studies from the University of British Columbia in 2002.
From 2002 to 2005, he was assistant professor of comparative literature at the Pennsylvania State University, USA.
He joined Carleton University, Ottawa, Canada as a professor of literature and African studies in 2006.
