Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Enugu, Nigeria — The University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), has taken a bold step to strengthen its global academic influence by appointing internationally renowned novelist Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and two distinguished scholars as Visiting Professors, university officials confirmed Wednesday, December 24, 2025. The move underscores the institution’s ambition to expand its intellectual footprint, foster world-class scholarship, and offer students and faculty enhanced opportunities for academic collaboration and mentorship.
The appointments, approved by UNN’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Simon Uchenna Ortuanya — who assumed leadership earlier this year with a mandate to reposition the university as a global centre of excellence — were formalised in official letters dated December 18, 2025. The announcement was made through a statement by the university’s acting Public Relations Officer, Mr. Inya Agha Egwu, outlining the roles and responsibilities expected of the new Visiting Professors.
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, celebrated globally for her literary works and contributions to cultural and intellectual discourse, was appointed in recognition of her exceptional achievements in literature, creative writing, and public engagement. The appointment is widely seen as a milestone in UNN’s history, with administrators emphasising the value her presence will bring to the arts and humanities.
Adichie’s distinguished career spans multiple genres, including novels, essays, and short stories that have resonated with audiences worldwide. Her works, such as Half of a Yellow Sun, Americanah and We Should All Be Feminists, have garnered international acclaim and have been incorporated into university curricula across the globe. By assuming the Visiting Professorship, Adichie is expected to deliver lectures, engage in scholarly dialogues, and mentor students and junior faculty, enriching academic life at UNN.
Alongside Adichie, the university has appointed Professor Kevin Chika Urama, a respected development economist and senior executive at the African Development Bank (AfDB). Urama’s expertise spans development economics, climate policy and evidence-based decision-making, and his engagement is anticipated to strengthen teaching and research in economics, development studies, and policy.
Professor James Robinson, a prominent political economist from the University of Chicago, completes the trio of Visiting Professors. Known for his influential research on institutions, governance and economic development, Robinson’s academic stature is expected to contribute significantly to analytical rigour and scholarly exchange at UNN. His presence is also seen as an opportunity to deepen global academic linkages and broaden exposure to cutting-edge perspectives in political economy.
In announcing the appointments, the university highlighted the multifaceted roles the Visiting Professors will play. These include participating in teaching modules, collaborating on research initiatives, and engaging in strategic academic interactions designed to enhance the institution’s educational offerings and research output. The university also underscored the importance of knowledge exchange and mentorship in fostering a vibrant scholarly community.
“This is a strategic initiative aligned with our commitment to attracting eminent global scholars and industry leaders to UNN, in line with the vision of our founding fathers,” said the acting PRO. “The University of Nigeria was established to be a globally competitive institution. These appointments represent a significant step toward reclaiming that legacy and enhancing its global relevance.”
The decision to bring Adichie and her colleagues into the academic fold comes at a time when African universities are increasingly seeking to bridge local knowledge production with global debates. For UNN, one of Nigeria’s oldest and most prestigious institutions, the move signals a renewed emphasis on intellectual engagement that transcends national boundaries and fosters a more interconnected academic environment.
Observers have noted that Adichie, who briefly studied medicine at UNN before pursuing further education abroad, returns to the university in a new capacity that highlights the potential of Nigerian scholars on the world stage. Her appointment is expected to inspire students across disciplines, particularly within the humanities, and to stimulate discourse on literature, identity, and society.
Professor Urama’s role at AfDB, where he serves in a leadership position focused on economic governance and knowledge management, brings a wealth of practical experience that complements academic inquiry. His engagement at UNN is poised to enrich discussions on development challenges facing Nigeria and the broader continent, particularly in areas such as economic policy, sustainability and inclusive growth.
Robinson’s contribution will similarly expand intellectual horizons at UNN. A widely recognised scholar in comparative institutional analysis and the political economy of development, his research has influenced policy debates and academic curricula internationally. At UNN, Robinson is expected to work closely with faculty and graduate students, helping to elevate research standards and foster interdisciplinary collaboration.
Academic circles within Nigeria and beyond have welcomed the appointments, viewing them as part of broader efforts to internationalise African higher education and attract world-class talent. Experts say such initiatives can catalyse innovation and reinforce the role of universities in shaping policy and societal transformation.
However, analysts also caution that sustainable progress requires institutional investments that go beyond high-profile appointments. These include enhancing research infrastructure, strengthening academic funding, and fostering conditions that support long-term scholarly engagement and innovation.
As UNN prepares to integrate its new Visiting Professors into campus life, students and faculty alike are anticipating a period of heightened intellectual activity. The appointments, set against a backdrop of evolving educational landscapes in Africa, reflect a growing recognition of the importance of global academic partnerships in addressing complex societal challenges.
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