‘Adesanmi was a teacher of the highest calibre’ — Carleton University

Carleton University has expressed shock over the death of
Professor Pius Adesanmi, a member of its staff, whom it descried as
“one of the canadians” killed in Sunday’s plane crash.

Recall earlier that Adesanmi was one of the victims of the plane
crash that involved Ethiopian Airlines.

The crash occurred at Addis Ababa on Sunday. 157 people lost
their lives in the incident.

The university tweeted: “The Carleton community is mourning the
loss of Pius Adesanmi, director of the Institute of African
Studies, who was among the 18 Canadians killed in today’s Ethiopian
Airlines disaster. Our thoughts are with his family at this
difficult time.”

A statement by the university read: “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.

“A further tribute about Adesanmi’s leadership and many
contributions to the Carleton community will be shared as soon as
possible.”

The Carleton community is mourning the loss
of Pius Adesanmi, director of the Institute of African Studies, who
was among the 18 Canadians killed in today’s Ethiopian Airlines
disaster. Our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time.
https://t.co/IxCwkfQWRG^[1]

— Carleton University News (@CUnewsroom) March
10, 2019^[2]

Also speaking on Adesanmi’s passing, Benoit-Antoine Bacon,
President and Vice Chancellor of the university, said: “Pius was a
towering figure in African and post-colonial scholarship and his
sudden loss is a tragedy. 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.”

Pauline Rankin, Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
of the University, added: “The contributions of Pius Adesanmi to
Carleton are immeasurable. 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.”