The University of Nigeria, Nsukka has appointed internationally acclaimed author Chimamanda Adichie, African Development Bank executive Prof. Kevin Urama, and Prof. James Robinson from the University of Chicago as Visiting Professors to enhance the institution’s global academic standing.
The appointments, sanctioned by Vice-Chancellor Prof. Simon Ortuanya, were communicated via official letters dated December 18, 2025.
Chimamanda Adichie, a preeminent literary figure, was named in acknowledgment of her exceptional contributions to literature, creative writing, and worldwide intellectual discourse. The institution acknowledged that her involvement would greatly enhance the arts and humanities.
The university asserted, “Her Visiting Professorship will significantly enhance our academic community through lectures, scholarly interactions, and the mentorship of students and emerging scholars.”
Prof. Kevin Chika Urama, a prominent development economist and senior official of the African Development Bank, was nominated due to his considerable proficiency in development economics, climate policy, and evidence-based policymaking.
UNN stated that his presence would enhance instruction and research, especially in economics, development studies, and associated fields.
The institution claimed, “Her Visiting Professorship will significantly enhance our academic community through lectures, scholarly interactions, and the mentorship of students and emerging scholars.”
Prof. Kevin Chika Urama, a prominent development economist and senior official of the African Development Bank, was appointed due to his profound experience in development economics, climate policy, and evidence-based policymaking.
UNN stated that his presence would enhance teaching and research, especially in economics, development studies, and associated fields.
Prof. James Robinson, a worldwide acclaimed political economist at the University of Chicago, recognized for his contributions to institutions, governance, and economic growth, has also been appointed.
The university stated that his Visiting Professorship is anticipated to enhance academic collaboration and provide students and faculty with access to advanced global knowledge in political economy and development studies.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the Acting Public Relations Officer of the university, Mr. Inya Agha Egwu, said that the appointments correspond with the Vice-Chancellor’s dedication to recruiting distinguished international scholars to UNN.
The University of Nigeria was established to serve as an internationally competitive institution. According to Egwu, these selections signify a substantial advancement in restoring that tradition and augmenting the university’s international significance.
He elucidated that the Visiting Professorships aim to facilitate information exchange, enhance international connections, and reconcile the disparities among theory, policy, and practice.
Egwu further revealed that the recent appointments increase the total of Visiting Professors appointed by the Vice-Chancellor in December 2025 to four, characterizing this development as “a clear indication of UNN’s revitalized commitment to global excellence.”
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