Professor James Nwoye Adichie, the father of renowned author, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, has passed away at the age of 88. He died after a brief illness on Wednesday night at Chira Memorial Hospital, Awkuzu, Anambra state.
Until his death, he was an Emeritus Professor of Statistics and Mathematics at the prestigious University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN). A statement released about his passing to glory read:
“A life so beautifully lived deserves to be beautifully remembered. With deepest sorrow, the Adichie family announce the death of our beloved husband and father, Professor James Nwoye Adichie, on Wednesday June 10, 2020. He was 88 years old. “He recieved his PhD in statistics from Berkeley and went on to become Nigeria’s first professor of statistics. His dedicated life’s work was at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, where he was named professor emeritus in 2016. Upon his retirement, he lived in his hometown, Abba, Njikoka Local Government Area, Anambra State. “He is survived by his wife Mrs. Grace Ifeoma Adichie; their six children: Ijeoma, Uchenna, Chuks, Okechukwu, Chimamanda and Kenechukwu; as well as nine grandchildren, in-laws and many relatives. Funeral arrangements will be announced in due course.”
His daughter, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is prominent and celebrated for her academic prowess especially in literary works of art. She is the an award winning author of several books namely Purple Hibiscus, Half of a Yellow Sun, We Should All Be Feminists, Americanah etc.