The University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), has maintained that it appointed celebrated writer Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie as a visiting professor.
However, Ms Adichie’s media team has publicly denied receiving or discussing such an appointment.
The disagreement has since drawn national attention and stirred public debate.
UNN Reaffirms Appointment
UNN restated its position during an interview with PREMIUM TIMES on Thursday.
The university said the appointment followed due process and official documentation.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, UNN spokesperson Agha Inya said the Vice-Chancellor, Simon Ortuanya, signed an appointment letter dated 18 December.
According to him, the letter named Ms Adichie, an alumna of the institution, as a visiting professor.
The statement also announced the appointment of two other scholars.
They include African Development Bank executive Kevin Urama and University of Chicago professor James Robinson.
It added that the letters outlined responsibilities tied to the role.
These include teaching engagements, research collaboration, mentorship, and strategic academic interactions.
Adichie’s Media Team Rejects Claim
Despite UNN’s position, Ms Adichie’s media aide rejected the report.
TheCable quoted Omawumi Ogbe as describing the appointment claim as false.
“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, and we wish to state categorically that this information is entirely false,” Ms Ogbe said.
“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 18 December 2025 are inaccurate.”
Ms Adichie previously studied medicine at UNN for about one and a half years.
She later moved to the United States to continue her education.
UNN Responds to Denial
When contacted on Thursday morning, Mr Inya firmly defended the university’s claim.
He said the institution would not issue a statement without basis.
“The appointment was made. If she was not appointed, we wouldn’t have issued that statement,” he said.
He further explained that accepting the role remained Ms Adichie’s choice.
According to him, the existence of the offer should not be disputed.
“It is up to her to accept or decline the appointment. But to deny that the appointment was not made is not true,” he maintained.
When asked about her response, Mr Inya said the university was still waiting.
“She will write to the university (to indicate such a decision). That’s how it works,” he said.
He added that the letter was first sent electronically.
A hard copy, he said, was later dispatched through a courier.
However, Mr Inya said he was unaware of any acknowledgment. He also suggested Ms Ogbe might not be fully informed.
Silence From Adichie
As of Thursday, Ms Adichie had not commented publicly on the issue.
PREMIUM TIMES checked her verified X and Facebook accounts without success.
Meanwhile, the controversy underscores growing scrutiny around academic appointments.
It also highlights the importance of clear communication between institutions and public figures.