Award-winning Nigerian writer with global acclaim Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie has denied reports linking her to a visiting professorship at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN).
The denial followed widespread media claims that UNN had appointed her alongside two other global scholars.
The clarification came on Wednesday through a statement issued by her communications team. The statement was signed by Omawumi Ogbe. It described the reports as false and misleading.
‘No Such Offer Was Made’
Ogbe stated clearly that no appointment was offered to Adichie by UNN. She stressed that the writer never received any letter from the university.
The statement reads, “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).”
It continued, “We wish to state categorically that this information is entirely false.”
According to the statement, “Ms. Adichie has not received any such appointment, nor has she been in communication with the University regarding a professorship.”
December 18 Letters Described as Inaccurate
The communications team also disputed claims about official correspondence.
Several reports had cited letters dated December 18, 2025. Ogbe said those claims were incorrect.
She stated, “The reports claiming that official letters were signed and dated December 18, 2025, are inaccurate.”
She expressed disappointment over how the story spread. Noting that the claim was circulated without verification.
Adichie’s Longstanding Ties to UNN
The statement acknowledged Adichie’s personal connection to the university. However, it emphasized that sentiment should not replace facts.
It said, “Whil 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.”
Call to Media to Retract Reports
Ogbe urged both the public and the media to ignore the reports. She called for immediate corrective action.
She said, “We urge the public and the media to disregard these false reports.”
She added, “We also request that the outlets currently carrying this news take it down immediately to avoid the further spread of misinformation.”
Background to the Disputed Appointment
Earlier, UNN had announced the appointment of Adichie as a Visiting Professor. The institution also named African Development Bank executive Prof. Kevin Chika Urama. Prof. James Robinson of the University of Chicago was also listed.
The university said the move was meant to boost its global academic profile. The appointments were reportedly approved by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Simon Ortuanya.
According to the earlier announcement, the appointments were conveyed through letters dated December 18, 2025.
One of the letters stated, “Her Visiting Professorship will add immense value to our academic community through lectures, scholarly engagements, and the mentorship of students and young academics.”
However, Adichie’s team has now firmly rejected that narrative.
The contradiction has raised questions about the accuracy of the initial announcement.