The Vice-Chancellor (VC) of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), Prof. Simon Ortuanya, on Wednesday, 24 December, 2025 appointed legendary writer Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie as a visiting professor of the institution.
Ortuanya also appointed African Development Bank (AfDB) Executive, Prof. Kevin Urama, and a professor at the University of Chicago, Prof. James Robinson, as visiting professors of UNN.
The acting Public Relation Officer (PRO) of UNN, Mr Inya Egwu, who confirmed the appointment of the duo through a statement issued on Wednesday, 24 December, 2025, said that the appointments dated Dec. 18 and signed by the VC, was part of the drive by Ortuanya’s administration to put the university on the global academic stage.
According to the statement, the letters of appointments outlined the roles and expectations of visiting professors to include teaching engagements, research collaboration, mentorship, and strategic academic interactions among others.
According to him, Adichie, one of the influential literary voices in the world, was appointed in recognition of her outstanding contributions to literature, creative writing, and global intellectual discourse.
“Her visiting professorship will enrich the arts and humanities through lectures, scholarly engagements, and mentorship of students and young academics.
“Prof. Urama, a renowned development economist and senior official at the African Development Bank, is appointed in view of his extensive expertise in development economics, climate policy, and evidence-based policymaking.
“His engagement is expected to strengthen teaching, research, and policy-oriented programmes, particularly in economics, development studies, and related disciplines.
“While Prof. James Robinson, a Political Economist at the University of Chicago, whose work on institutions, governance, and economic development has earned global recognition,” he said.
He said that the visiting professors were expected to deepen academic collaboration, advance research as well as expose students and lecturers to cutting-edge global scholarship in political economy and development studies.
The statement noted that the appointments align with the commitment of the VC, to attract eminent global scholars and industry leaders to UNN, in line with the vision of its founding fathers.
“UNN was founded to be a globally competitive institution; the latest appointments represent a significant step towards reclaiming that legacy and enhancing its global relevance,” he said.
Adichie had attended UNN, where she studied medicine for about a year and a half, before moving to the United States for further education.
