The University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), has appointed globally acclaimed author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, African Development Bank executive Prof. Kevin Chika Urama, and renowned political economist Prof. James Robinson as Visiting Professors, in a strategic move aimed at repositioning the institution on the global academic stage.
The appointments, approved by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Simon Ortuanya, were conveyed through official letters dated December 18, 2025, Akahi News learnt.
Strengthening Global Academic Relevance
According to the university, the Visiting Professors are expected to contribute through teaching, collaborative research, mentorship, and high-level academic engagement, all geared towards enhancing UNN’s international visibility and scholarly impact.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Acting Public Relations Officer of the university, Mr. Inya Agha Egwu, described the appointments as a deliberate step towards restoring UNN’s historic reputation as a globally competitive institution.
“The University of Nigeria was founded to be a globally competitive institution. These appointments represent a significant step towards reclaiming that legacy and enhancing the university’s global relevance,” Egwu said.
Chimamanda Adichie: Enriching Arts and Humanities
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, one of the world’s most celebrated literary voices, was appointed in recognition of her outstanding contributions to literature, creative writing, and global intellectual discourse.
According to the university, her Visiting Professorship will add immense value to the arts and humanities through lectures, scholarly engagements, and mentorship of students and emerging academics. Akahi News gathered that her presence is expected to inspire critical thinking, creativity, and global consciousness among students.
Kevin Urama: Advancing Development Economics and Policy
Prof. Kevin Chika Urama, a distinguished development economist and senior official at the African Development Bank, was appointed based on his extensive expertise in development economics, climate policy, and evidence-based policymaking.
UNN noted that his engagement would strengthen teaching and research in economics, development studies, and related disciplines, while also fostering stronger links between academia and policy-making institutions.
James Robinson: Deepening Political Economy Scholarship
Also appointed is Prof. James Robinson of the University of Chicago, a globally respected political economist widely known for his work on institutions, governance, and economic development.
The university stated that his Visiting Professorship would deepen academic collaboration and expose students and lecturers to cutting-edge global scholarship in political economy and development studies.
A Broader Vision for Global Excellence
Egwu further disclosed that the latest appointments bring the total number of Visiting Professors appointed by the Vice-Chancellor in December 2025 to four, describing the development as “a clear signal of UNN’s renewed drive for global excellence.”
Observers believe the move reflects a broader strategy to bridge theory, policy, and practice while strengthening international academic partnerships. According to Akahi News, the initiative positions UNN to compete more effectively with leading global universities in research output, innovation, and intellectual influence.
As Nigerian universities increasingly seek global relevance, UNN’s latest appointments may mark a defining moment in its academic renaissance.
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