By Crystal Ugoeze
Renowned Nigerian writer, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, has denied reports claiming she was appointed a visiting professor at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN).
Media reports had earlier stated that the Vice-Chancellor of UNN, Prof. Simon Ortuanya, appointed Adichie alongside Prof. Kevin Urama of the African Development Bank and Prof. James Robinson of the University of Chicago as visiting professors. The appointments were said to have been announced in a statement dated December 18, 2025, and issued by the university’s acting Public Relations Officer.
However, Adichie’s communications team dismissed the reports as false. In a statement signed by Omawumi Ogbe on Wednesday evening, the team clarified that no such appointment was offered to the celebrated author.
“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. We wish to state categorically that this information is entirely false,” the statement said.
According to the team, Adichie has neither received any appointment letter nor engaged in discussions with UNN regarding a visiting professorship. The statement added that claims of official letters dated December 18, 2025, were inaccurate.
While noting that UNN holds a special place in Adichie’s heart, as the institution where she grew up and where her parents once served as Professor and Registrar, respectively, the team expressed disappointment that such reports were published without verification.
They urged the public to disregard the reports and called on media organisations carrying the story to take it down to prevent the spread of misinformation.