The University of Nigeria, Nsukka, UNN, has taken a decisive step towards restoring its international academic prestige with the appointment of three globally acclaimed scholars as Visiting Professors, drawing from the worlds of literature, development economics and political economy.
The appointments of celebrated writer Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, African Development Bank executive Prof. Kevin Chika Urama, and University of Chicago political economist, Prof. James Robinson were approved by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Simon Ortuanya, and communicated through official letters dated December 18.
UNN said the Visiting Professors will play key roles in teaching, collaborative research, mentorship and strategic academic engagements, initiatives aimed at strengthening the university’s global visibility and intellectual impact.
Adichie, one of the most influential literary figures of her generation, was appointed in recognition of her outstanding contributions to literature, creative writing and global intellectual thought.
The university described her engagement as a major boost to the arts and humanities.
Her Visiting Professorship, UNN noted, will enrich the academic community through public lectures, scholarly interactions and mentorship of students and early-career academics.
Prof. Urama, a renowned development economist and senior official at the African Development Bank, brings decades of experience in development economics, climate policy and evidence-based policymaking.
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The university said his appointment will strengthen teaching and research in economics, development studies and allied fields.
Also appointed is Prof. James Robinson, a globally respected political economist at the University of Chicago, widely recognised for his influential work on institutions, governance and economic development.
UNN said his presence will deepen academic collaboration and expose students and faculty to cutting-edge global scholarship in political economy.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Acting Public Relations Officer of the university, Mr. Inya Agha Egwu, said the appointments reflect the Vice-Chancellor’s resolve to attract eminent global scholars to UNN.
He described the move as part of a broader effort to reposition the institution as a globally competitive university, noting that the Visiting Professorships are designed to promote knowledge exchange, strengthen international partnerships and bridge the gap between theory, policy and practice.
Egwu added that the latest appointments bring the number of Visiting Professors approved by the Vice-Chancellor in December 2025 to four, describing the development as a strong signal of UNN’s renewed push for global academic excellence.
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