UNN appoints global scholars as visiting Professors

The University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) has appointed globally acclaimed author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, African Development Bank executive Prof. Kevin Chika Urama, and University of Chicago scholar Prof. James Robinson as Visiting Professors.

The appointments, approved by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Simon Ortuanya, were conveyed through official letters dated December 18, 2025, and are part of efforts to reposition the institution on the global academic stage.

According to the university, the Visiting Professors will participate in teaching, collaborative research, mentorship, and strategic academic engagements aimed at strengthening UNN’s international visibility and academic excellence.

Chimamanda Adichie, one of the world’s most influential literary figures, was appointed in recognition of her outstanding contributions to literature, creative writing, and global intellectual discourse. UNN said her engagement would significantly enrich teaching and scholarship in the arts and humanities.

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

Prof. Kevin Urama, a renowned development economist and senior official at the African Development Bank, was appointed based on his expertise in development economics, climate policy, and evidence-based policymaking. The university noted that his presence would strengthen teaching and research in economics, development studies, and related fields.

Also appointed is Prof. James Robinson, a globally respected political economist at the University of Chicago, widely known for his work on institutions, governance, and economic development. UNN said his appointment would deepen academic collaboration and expose staff and students to cutting-edge global scholarship.

Speaking on the appointments, the Acting Public Relations Officer of the university, Mr. Inya Agha Egwu, said the move reflects the Vice-Chancellor’s commitment to attracting eminent global scholars to the institution.

“The University of Nigeria was founded to be a globally competitive institution. These appointments represent a significant step towards reclaiming that legacy and enhancing the university’s global relevance,” Egwu said.

He added that the Visiting Professorships are designed to promote knowledge exchange, strengthen international linkages, and bridge the gap between theory, policy, and practice.

Egwu disclosed that the latest appointments bring the number of Visiting Professors appointed by the Vice-Chancellor in December 2025 to four, describing the development as a clear signal of UNN’s renewed drive for global excellence.The University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) has appointed globally acclaimed author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, African Development Bank executive Prof. Kevin Chika Urama, and University of Chicago scholar Prof. James Robinson as Visiting Professors.

The appointments, approved by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Simon Ortuanya, were conveyed through official letters dated December 18, 2025, and are part of efforts to reposition the institution on the global academic stage.

According to the university, the Visiting Professors will participate in teaching, collaborative research, mentorship, and strategic academic engagements aimed at strengthening UNN’s international visibility and academic excellence.

Chimamanda Adichie, one of the world’s most influential literary figures, was appointed in recognition of her outstanding contributions to literature, creative writing, and global intellectual discourse. UNN said her engagement would significantly enrich teaching and scholarship in the arts and humanities.

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

Prof. Kevin Urama, a renowned development economist and senior official at the African Development Bank, was appointed based on his expertise in development economics, climate policy, and evidence-based policymaking. The university noted that his presence would strengthen teaching and research in economics, development studies, and related fields.

Also appointed is Prof. James Robinson, a globally respected political economist at the University of Chicago, widely known for his work on institutions, governance, and economic development. UNN said his appointment would deepen academic collaboration and expose staff and students to cutting-edge global scholarship.
Speaking on the appointments, the Acting Public Relations Officer of the university, Mr. Inya Agha Egwu, said the move reflects the Vice-Chancellor’s commitment to attracting eminent global scholars to the institution.

“The University of Nigeria was founded to be a globally competitive institution. These appointments represent a significant step towards reclaiming that legacy and enhancing the university’s global relevance,” Egwu said.

He added that the Visiting Professorships are designed to promote knowledge exchange, strengthen international linkages, and bridge the gap between theory, policy, and practice.

Egwu disclosed that the latest appointments bring the number of Visiting Professors appointed by the Vice-Chancellor in December 2025 to four, describing the development as a clear signal of UNN’s renewed drive for global excellence.