Nigerian student dies during Mandela Washington Fellowship in the US

John Usman, one of the 100 Nigerians selected for entrepreneurship and leadership training in the 2016 Mandela Washington Fellowship in US, has died.


According to US Diplomatic Mission in Nigeria, Usman died on Saturday after his involvement in a hiking accident.

The deceased was said to be hiking near Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, when the incident happened.

The US government has expressed sadness over the tragedy, extending its condolences to the family of Usman.

“The US Mission to Nigeria and our colleagues in the United States were deeply saddened to learn of the death of John Paul Ojaojogwu Usman,” read a statement which the mission issued on Monday.

“On June 25, John Paul died in an accident while hiking near Virginia Polytechnic Institute and the State University, where he was studying civic leadership as a 2016 Mandela Washington Fellow.

“We extend our deepest condolences to John Paul’s family and friends over this tragic loss.”

The statement described John Paul as a “rising star” who was devoted to the causes of sustainable development, children’s rights, and peace building in Nigeria.

It said that his selection to the Mandela Washington Fellowship programme was because of his drive, talent, and dedication to making his country’s civil society even stronger.

One of John Paul’s professional mentors at Virginia Tech said: “While his time with us was short, he was well-loved.

“This young man will be remembered fondly as a great citizen ambassador of his country. We mourn his passing.”