By Chimdiogo Amuh 

Renowned Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie has dismissed reports claiming she was appointed a visiting professor at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN).

Earlier reports had alleged that UNN’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Simon Ortuanya, appointed Adichie alongside Prof. Kevin Urama of the African Development Bank (AfDB) and Prof. James Robinson of the University of Chicago as visiting professors. The reports cited a statement dated December 18, 2025, and issued by the university’s Acting Public Relations Officer, Inya Egwu, which described the appointments as part of efforts to position UNN on the global academic stage.

However, Adichie’s communications team has firmly refuted the claim. In a statement released on Wednesday evening and signed by Omawumi Ogbe, the team described the reports as false and misleading.

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

The statement clarified that Adichie neither received such an appointment nor engaged in any discussions with UNN regarding a visiting professorship. It also dismissed claims that official letters were issued and dated December 18, 2025.

While noting that UNN holds personal significance for Adichie—as the institution where she grew up and where her parents served as professor and registrar—the communications team expressed disappointment that such reports were circulated without verification.

The team urged the public to disregard the claims and called on media organisations that published the reports to withdraw them to prevent further spread of misinformation.