Chimamanda Adichie denies appointment as UNN visiting professor

Award-winning writer, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, has denied reports claiming she was appointed a Visiting Professor at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN).

In a statement issued on Wednesday and signed by Omawumi Ogbe of the Communications Team for Adichie, the reports circulating in several media outlets were described 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 (UNN).

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

It clarified that Adichie has neither received such an appointment nor engaged in any discussion with the university regarding a professorship, dismissing claims that official letters were signed and dated December 18, 2025.

“Ms. Adichie has not received any such appointment, nor has she been in communication with the University regarding a professorship. The reports claiming that official letters were signed and dated December 18, 2025, are inaccurate,” the statement added.

While noting Adichie’s personal ties to UNN, where she grew up and where her parents once served as Professor and Registrar, the communications team expressed disappointment that the claim was published without verification.

“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,” the statement read.

The public and media organisations were urged to ignore the reports and immediately take down any related publications to prevent further spread of misinformation.

“We urge the public and the media to disregard these false reports. We also request that the outlets currently carrying this news take it down immediately to avoid the further spread of misinformation.”

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