Chimamanda Adichie refutes UNN visiting professor appointment

Globally-renowned writer, Chimamanda Adichie, has refuted claims of being appointed a visiting professor at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

Adichie refuted the claims in a statement by her communications team on Wednesday, signed by Omawumi Ogbe.

Ogbe disclosed that no such offer was made to the writer.

She described the claims as false.

The statement reads, “It has come to our attention that several news outlets are reporting that Ms. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie has been appointed as a ‘Visiting Professor’ at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN).

“We wish to state categorically that this information is entirely false.

“Ms. Adichie has not received any such appointment, nor has she been in communication with the University regarding a professorship. The reports claiming that official letters were signed and dated December 18, 2025, are inaccurate.

“While UNN holds a very special place in Ms. Adichie’s heart as the institution where she grew up and where her parents served as Professor and Registrar, respectively, it is disappointing that such a significant claim would be circulated without any verification.”

She urged the public and media to disregard the information.

She said, “We urge the public and the media to disregard these false reports. We also request that the outlets currently carrying this news take it down immediately to avoid the further spread of misinformation.”

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Earlier, the institution announced that it had appointed Adichie, African Development Bank executive, Prof. Kevin Urama, and Prof. James Robinson of the University of Chicago as Visiting Professors.

The appointment was said to be a move aimed at repositioning the institution on the global academic stage.

The appointments, which were approved by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Simon Ortuanya, were conveyed through official letters dated December 18, 2025.

The letter reads, “Her Visiting Professorship will add immense value to our academic community through lectures, scholarly engagements, and the mentorship of students and young academics.”