By Nchetachi Chukwuajah
The University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) has appointed globally-renowned writer, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie; an African Development Bank (AfDB) executive, Professor Kevin Urama; and a University of Chicago don, Professor James Robinson, as Visiting Professors.
The university said the move was aimed at repositioning the institution on the global academic stage.
The appointments were conveyed in official letters dated December 18, 2025, and approved by UNN’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Simon Ortuanya.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, December 24, the acting Public Relations Officer of the university, Mr Inya Agha Egwu, said the latest appointments bring the number of visiting professors appointed by the Vice-Chancellor in December 2025 to four, describing the development as “a clear signal of UNN’s renewed drive for global excellence.”
The university stated that the visiting professors are expected to engage in teaching, collaborative research, mentorship and strategic academic interactions that will strengthen UNN’s global standing.
According to the institution, Chimamanda Adichie was appointed in recognition of her contributions to literature, creative writing, and global intellectual discourse.
The university noted that as one of the world’s most influential literary voices, Adichie’s engagement would significantly enrich the arts and humanities.
Urama, a distinguished development economist and senior official at the AfDB, was appointed based on his extensive expertise in development economics, climate policy, and evidence-based policymaking.
Robinson is a globally respected political economist at the University of Chicago, widely known for his work on institutions, governance, and economic development.
The UNN said his appointment is expected to deepen academic collaboration and expose students and lecturers to cutting-edge global scholarship in political economy and development studies.
