The communications team for acclaimed author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie has issued a strong denial, refuting widespread media claims that she was appointed a Visiting Professor at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN). The denial, made on Wednesday, labels the reports as entirely false and calls for their retraction.
Widespread Reports and the Official Denial
Earlier reports, which circulated in several media outlets, stated that UNN had appointed Adichie to a prestigious Visiting Professorship. These reports, dated December 18, 2025, claimed the appointment was approved by the university's Vice-Chancellor, Professor Simon Ortuanya. The alleged appointment was said to be part of a move to elevate UNN's global academic standing, alongside other notable figures like Professor Kevin Chika Urama of the African Development Bank and Professor James Robinson from the University of Chicago.
However, in a statement signed by Omawumi Ogbe on behalf of Adichie's communications team, these claims were categorically dismissed. "We wish to state categorically that this information is entirely false," the statement read. It clarified that Adichie has not received any appointment letter nor engaged in any discussions with UNN regarding a professorial role. The team also specifically countered the claim about official letters being signed on December 18, 2025, stating it was inaccurate.
A Special Connection Disappointed
The statement acknowledged the deep personal history Adichie shares with the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. It noted that UNN holds a special place for the writer, as it is where she spent her formative years and where both her parents served the institution—her father as a professor and her mother as the registrar.
Despite this profound connection, the team expressed disappointment that such a significant claim was published without proper verification. "It is disappointing that such a significant claim would be circulated without any verification," the statement lamented.
Call for Action and Media Responsibility
Adichie's team has urged the public to disregard the false reports. Furthermore, they have made a direct appeal to media organizations that carried the story. "We also request that the outlets currently carrying this news take it down immediately to avoid the further spread of misinformation," the statement concluded.
As of the time of the denial, the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, has not issued a fresh statement or response to counter the author's rebuttal. The situation leaves the initial reports unsubstantiated and highlights the challenges of misinformation in media reporting.
