Internationally acclaimed Nigerian writer Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie has denied reports that she was appointed as a visiting professor at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Adichie’s spokesperson Omawumi Ogbe described the claims as entirely false.
“Ms. Adichie has not received any such appointment, nor has she been in communication with the University regarding a professorship,” the statement read. “The reports claiming that official letters were signed and dated December 18, 2025, are inaccurate.”
The denial comes after several news outlets reported that UNN had appointed Adichie alongside African Development Bank executive Prof. Kevin Urama and University of Chicago’s Prof. James Robinson as visiting professors. The appointments were supposedly approved by Vice-Chancellor Prof. Simon Ortuanya.
According to the earlier reports, UNN said the appointments would help boost the university’s global reputation. A letter supposedly from the university claimed Adichie would contribute through lectures, academic work, and mentoring students. However, Adichie’s team has firmly rejected these claims.
The statement also noted that UNN holds personal significance for Adichie. The university is where she grew up and where her father taught as a professor and her mother served as the first female registrar.
“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,” Ogbe said.
However, Adichie’s communications team has called on media outlets currently carrying the story to remove it immediately to prevent the spread of misinformation.
“We urge the public and the media to disregard these false reports,” the statement concluded.
Adichie, author of acclaimed works including “Half of a Yellow Sun,” “Americanah,” and “Purple Hibiscus,” is one of Nigeria’s most celebrated contemporary writers and has received numerous international awards and also she is a regular speaker at global forums.
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