Nigerian filmmaker and author Onyeka Nwelue says he has always been addressed as a professor since he was a teenager.
Nwelue, 35, stated this after the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge terminated their relationship with him for claiming to be a professor at both varsities.
In the past, he wrote on his Instagram bio that he was a “Prof of African Studies & Academic Visitor at University of Oxford & University of Cambridge”. On Twitter, he wrote that he was a “Professor + Academic Visitor”.
He has since deleted the remarks.
A probe into his conduct was launched after Oxford students complained about his behaviour at a book launch in January, where he hosted a Nigerian journalist David Hundeyin, reports student newspaper Cherwell.
Students complained about a number of alleged infractions including being asked to pay £20 to attend the event. Such events have always been free of charge.
Speaking with The Telegraph on the incident, the filmmaker said, “Before I came to Oxford and Cambridge, I was addressed as a professor, because I have been a visiting lecturer at different universities around the world.
“I have always been called a professor from when I was a teenager… I don’t tell people I am a professor. In my house, everywhere. But, never for once did I say I am Oxford professor. Then, Cherwell showed me a tweet where someone asked, ‘Is he really a professor?’ I replied in Pidgin: ‘Yes na’.”
On making unsavoury comments at the event, he said, “I am not a racist, not a misogynist or a classist. If I came off as that, to the students, I am deeply sorry and I hope they can forgive me. It won’t happen again, as I have made a concerted effort to leave social media.”
