Renowned Nigerian writer, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, has refuted reports claiming she was appointed a visiting professor at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN).
Earlier reports had claimed that the Vice-Chancellor of UNN, Prof. Simon Ortuanya, appointed Adichie alongside Prof. Kevin Urama, an executive at the African Development Bank (AfDB), and Prof. James Robinson of the University of Chicago as visiting professors.
The reports further claimed that the appointments were announced in a statement dated December 18, 2025, and issued on Wednesday by the university’s Acting Public Relations Officer, Inya Egwu, as part of efforts by Ortuanya’s administration to position UNN on the global academic stage.
However, Adichie’s communications team dismissed the claim, describing it as false.
In a statement issued on Wednesday evening and signed by Omawumi Ogbe, Adichie’s representative said no such appointment was offered to the Dream Count 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 (UNN),” Ogbe said.
“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 acknowledging Adichie’s longstanding ties to the institution, the statement expressed disappointment over the circulation of the claim.
“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.”
The statement urged the public and media organisations to disregard the reports.
“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.”
