Nigerian-born academic, Dr Uju Anya, has come under fire after Carnegie Mellon University in the United States announced a review of fresh social media posts attributed to her, describing them as “hostile and threatening.”
The development has renewed attention on Anya’s controversial remarks about the late Queen Elizabeth II in 2022, which sparked widespread condemnation but did not result in her suspension or dismissal from the university.
In a statement, Carnegie Mellon said it was “deeply concerned” by the recent posts and was reviewing the matter closely.
The university also confirmed that Anya was on voluntary professional leave and would not teach courses on campus during the 2026/2027 academic year.
The latest controversy follows online backlash over posts attributed to the professor, including one that reportedly read, “Die first, white man, then ask yourself why I’m dancing.”
The remarks triggered criticism across social media, with some users calling for disciplinary action against her.
2022 Queen Elizabeth Controversy
Anya previously attracted international condemnation in September 2022 after posting a message wishing “excruciating” pain on Queen Elizabeth II, hours before the monarch’s death.
The post drew criticism from public figures, including Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, and prompted widespread debate over freedom of expression and the limits of public commentary.
Despite the backlash, counter-petitions emerged in support of Anya, with some people defending her remarks as an expression of historical and political grievances.
Carnegie Mellon distanced itself from the comments at the time, stressing that they did not represent the university’s views.
However, the institution also noted that free expression remained a core value of higher education. The university did not take punitive action against Anya over the 2022 remarks.
The latest review has not resulted in any publicly announced suspension, dismissal or other formal disciplinary action against the academic. Carnegie Mellon’s statement clarified that Anya is on voluntary professional leave and will not teach on campus during the 2026–27 academic year.
The university has not disclosed the outcome of its review or whether further action will follow.
By Musekir Faisat Omolara
