Adichie raises controversy on UNN professorship

Globally renowned Nigerian writer, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, has denied reports claiming she was appointed a Visiting Professor at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, UNN, describing the information as completely false and misleading.

The denial was contained in an official statement issued on Wednesday by her communications team and signed by Omawumi Ogbe.

The statement clarified that Adichie neither received such an appointment nor engaged in any discussion with the university regarding a visiting professorship.

“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,” the statement said. “We wish to state categorically that this information is entirely false.”

Ogbe further stated that reports claiming that official appointment letters were signed and dated December 18, were inaccurate. She emphasised that no such offer was extended to the author at any point.

While noting Adichie’s longstanding personal connection to UNN, the statement expressed disappointment over the circulation of the unverified claim.

Adichie grew up on the university campus, where her parents served in senior capacities — her father as a professor and her mother as a registrar.

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“While UNN holds a very special place in Ms. Adichie’s heart, it is disappointing that such a significant claim would be circulated without any verification,” the statement added.

The communications team urged the public and media organisations to disregard the reports and called on news outlets carrying the story to remove it to prevent the spread of misinformation.

The denial follows earlier announcements by the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, stating that Adichie had been appointed alongside African Development Bank executive, Prof. Kevin Urama, and Prof. James Robinson of the University of Chicago as Visiting Professors.

The university said the appointments were approved by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Simon Ortuanya, as part of efforts to reposition the institution on the global academic stage.

According to the university’s statement, the appointments were conveyed through letters dated December 18, highlighting the expected contributions of the appointees through lectures, scholarly engagements and mentorship.

However, Adichie’s team has firmly refuted any association with the claimed appointment.

Punch News