UNN Appoints Adichie, AfDB’s Urama, James Robinson As Visiting Professors

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), Professor Simon Ortuanya, has appointed renowned 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.

The appointments were part of the drive to reposition the institution on the global academic stage.

The appointments were communicated through official letters to the appointees, dated December 18, 2025, and signed by the Vice Chancellor.

The letters outlined the roles and expectations from the visiting professors to include teaching engagements, research collaboration, mentorship, and strategic academic interactions.

Adichie, a global influential literary voice 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 the arts and humanities through lectures, scholarly engagements, and mentorship of students and young academics.

For Prof. Urama, a renowned development economist and senior official at the African Development Bank, he 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. James Robinson, a political economist of the University of Chicago, whose work on institutions, governance, and economic development has earned global recognition.

According to the letter, Robinson is expected 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 aligned with the commitment of the Vice-Chancellor to attract 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,” Egwu said.

The PRO explained that Visiting Professorships were designed to promote knowledge exchange, strengthen international linkages, and bridge the gap between theory, policy, and practice.