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From Felix Ikem, Nsukka
The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), Prof Simon Ortuanya has appointed globally acclaimed writer, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, African Development Bank (AfDB) executive, Prof. Kevin Chika Urama and Prof James Robinson of the University of Chicago as Visiting Professors, as part of the drive to reposition the institution on the global academic stage.
The appointments were communicated through official letters dated December 18 and signed by the Vice-Chancellor.
The letters outlined the roles and expectations of the Visiting Professors to include teaching engagements, research collaboration, mentorship and strategic academic interactions.
Adichie, one of the influential literary voices in the world was appointed in recognition of her outstanding contributions to literature, creative writing and global intellectual discourse.
The University noted that her Visiting Professorship will enrich arts and humanities through lectures, scholarly engagements and mentorship of students and young academics.
Prof Urama, a renowned development economist and senior official at the African Development Bank, was appointed in view of his extensive expertise in development economics, climate policy and evidence-based policymaking. His engagement is expected to strengthen teaching, research and policy-oriented programmes, particularly in economics, development studies and related disciplines.
Also appointed is Prof Robinson, a political economist at the University of Chicago, whose work on institutions, governance and economic development has earned global recognition. According to the appointment letter, his Visiting Professorship is intended to deepen academic collaboration, advance research and expose students and lecturers to cutting-edge global scholarship in political economy and development studies.
The acting Public Relations Officer of the University, Inya Agha Egwu, said that the appointments align with the commitment of the Vice-Chancellor to attracting eminent global scholars and industry leaders to UNN, in line with the vision of its founding fathers.
“The University of Nigeria was founded to be a globally competitive institution; the latest appointments represent a significant step towards reclaiming that legacy and enhancing its global relevance,” Inya said.
He explained that the Visiting Professorships are designed to promote knowledge exchange, strengthen international linkages and bridge the gap between theory, policy and practice.
He added that the latest appointments bring the number of Visiting Professors appointed by the Vice-Chancellor in December 2025 to four.
