Adichie denies visiting Professorship appointment at UNN

Globally acclaimed Nigerian writer, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, has dismissed reports claiming she was appointed a visiting professor at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN).

Adichie refuted the claim in a statement issued today by her communications team, signed by Omawumi Ogbe, describing the reports as false and misleading.

According to the statement, Adichie has neither received an offer nor held any discussions with the university regarding a visiting professorship.

“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,” the statement said.
It added that reports alleging that official appointment letters were signed and dated December 18, 2025, were inaccurate.

While noting that UNN holds a special place in Adichie’s life, having grown up on the campus where her parents served as Professor and Registrar respectively—the statement expressed disappointment that such a claim was circulated without verification.

The communications team urged the public and media organisations to disregard the reports and called on outlets that published the information to take it down to prevent further spread of misinformation.

“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,” the statement added.

Earlier, UNN had announced that it appointed Adichie alongside African Development Bank executive Prof. Kevin Urama and Prof. James Robinson of the University of Chicago as visiting professors.

The university said the appointments, approved by Vice-Chancellor Prof. Simon Ortuanya, were part of efforts to reposition the institution on the global academic stage, with official letters reportedly dated December 18, 2025.