UNN Appoints Chimamanda Adichie, Kevin Urama, and James Robinson as Visiting Professors

The University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), has appointed acclaimed writer Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie as a visiting professor. The announcement was made by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Simon Ortuanya, who also named African Development Bank executive Prof. Kevin Urama and University of Chicago professor Prof. James Robinson to the same role.

A statement issued in Nsukka on Wednesday by the acting Public Relations Officer, Mr. Inya Egwu, said the appointments, dated December 18, are part of efforts by the university’s administration to enhance its global academic profile. The letters of appointment outline responsibilities for the visiting professors, including teaching, research collaboration, mentorship, and strategic academic engagement.

Adichie, recognized globally for her contributions to literature and creative writing, is expected to enrich the arts and humanities at UNN through lectures, scholarly interactions, and mentorship of students and young academics. Prof. Urama, a development economist with extensive experience in climate policy and evidence-based policymaking, will contribute to teaching, research, and policy-focused programs, particularly in economics and development studies. Prof. Robinson, a political economist known for his work on institutions, governance, and economic development, will support academic collaboration and advance research in political economy and development studies.

The appointments align with the Vice-Chancellor’s commitment to attracting eminent scholars and industry leaders to UNN, reinforcing the university’s founding vision and global competitiveness. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) notes that Adichie previously attended UNN, studying medicine for about a year and a half before continuing her education in the United States.