Updated: Chimamanda Adichie Refutes UNN Visiting Professor Appointment
- Chimamanda Adichie has reacted to the viral media reports claiming she has been appointed a visiting professor at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka
- The reports had claimed that the UNN appointed Adichie and two others as visiting professors
- However, the globally acclaimed novelist refuted the claim in a statement released by her communications team
Nigerian globally renowned novelist Chimamanda Adichie has refuted claims of being appointed a visiting professor at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
Multiple media reports by The Punch and others had claimed that the UNN named the acclaimed novelist Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, African Development Bank executive Prof. Kevin Chika Urama, and University of Chicago scholar Prof. James Robinson as visiting professors.
The reports also claimed that the appointments form part of a broader effort to reposition the institution within global academic circles.
Source: Instagram
UNN made no offer to Chimamanda Adichie - aide
Adichie debunked the reports in a statement by her communications team on Wednesday, December 24, signed by Omawumi Ogbe. Ogbe disclosed that no such offer was made to the writer.
She described the claims as false.
“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), the statement reads,
“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.”
Editorial Note: Kindly note that this report has been updated to reflect the reaction of Chimamanda Adichie's communications team.
Source: Facebook
UNN appointment: Adichie sends message to Nigerians
Adichie urged the public and media to disregard the information.
“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," she said.
UNILORIN Appoints Oloyede as Emeritus Professor
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that the Senate of the University of Ilorin has conferred the prestigious title of emeritus professor on three of its distinguished retirees: Prof. Is’haq Oloyede, Prof. Olu Obafemi, and Prof. Musbau Akanji.
The announcement was made following the Senate's 304th meeting on Thursday, January 23, according to a statement by the university's Director of Corporate Affairs, Mr Kunle Akogun.
Source: Legit.ng
