Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Professor Anthony Kila, the Pro-Chancellor of Michael and Cecilia Ibru University (MCIU), Delta State, has rejected reports describing him as a “fake professor”, insisting that he remains a professor and that the title is supported by his academic and professional credentials.
Kila made his position known in a statement responding to a PREMIUM TIMES investigation published on October 3, 2026, which questioned the basis of his professorial title and described him as a “fake professor”. He said the characterisation was inaccurate, misleading and damaging to his reputation and professional standing.
“For the avoidance of doubt, I am a professor, and I stand by the title and the professional and academic credentials on which it is based,” Kila said.
He argued that the report was based on what he described as an incomplete understanding of the nature, origin and institutional basis of his professorship, adding that the issue should be assessed against relevant facts and supporting documentation.
Kila, who is also Director of the Commonwealth Institute of Advanced and Professional Studies (CIAPS), said he was prepared to make available the facts and documents concerning his professorial status.
He particularly objected to the phrase “fake professor”, arguing that it had been presented as a factual conclusion despite, in his view, requiring evidence and proper examination of the circumstances surrounding his title.
The controversy followed a PREMIUM TIMES investigation into Kila’s academic credentials and his use of the title “Professor” as well as the designation “Jean Monnet Professor of Strategy and Development”.
The investigation reported that no recognised academic institution had been found to have awarded Kila the academic rank of professor. It further questioned the existence and status of the European Centre for Advanced and Professional Studies (ECAPS), which Kila reportedly identified as the institution that awarded him the professorship in 2016.
According to PREMIUM TIMES, searches of the UK Companies House, Nigeria’s Corporate Affairs Commission and other sources did not produce evidence of an institution matching the description of ECAPS, including a website, physical address or identifiable alumni records.
The newspaper subsequently reported on October 5 that Kila’s response had not publicly provided a certificate, appointment letter or other documentation establishing that ECAPS exists or that it conferred the professorial rank on him.
PREMIUM TIMES also reported that the European Education and Culture Executive Agency, which administers the European Union’s Jean Monnet Actions, disowned Kila’s claimed affiliation with the programme and said it had no record of awarding him a Jean Monnet Professorship.
Kila, however, maintained that the report did not properly understand the origin and institutional basis of his professorship and said the relevant documentation would clarify the matter.
He also said he was “baffled” by the attention generated by the publication, noting that he does not hold political office, is not seeking political office and is not a government official.
The Pro-Chancellor thanked colleagues, friends, students and members of the public who contacted him following the publication to express confidence in his academic and professional credentials.
He further disclosed that he had instructed his lawyers to review the publication and subsequent dissemination of the allegations and advise him on appropriate legal steps to protect his reputation and professional standing.
“The facts and documentation will speak for themselves,” Kila said.
The dispute has also placed attention on the position of Michael and Cecilia Ibru University, where Kila has served as Pro-Chancellor since his appointment in August 2025.
PREMIUM TIMES reported that the university’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ibiyinka Fuwape, acknowledged questions raised by the investigation and said the institution would respond after internal consultations.
“We will reply you very soon. The PRO will get in touch with you. The council is yet to meet. I can’t give you any information other than that,” Fuwape was quoted as saying.
The university’s official website currently identifies Kila as “Prof. Anthony A. Kila” and lists him as the Pro-Chancellor. His official biography on the university’s website also describes him as a “Jean Monnet professor of Strategy and Development” and as an international Director of Studies at the European Centre of Advanced and Professional Studies.
The university had earlier told PREMIUM TIMES that it had no evidence contradicting Kila’s claim to the title of professor. Following the publication of the investigation, however, the Vice-Chancellor said the university council was yet to meet before a formal response could be issued.
The controversy has also drawn comments from former Senator Babafemi Ojudu, who on October 5 urged Kila to respond to the allegations with verifiable academic records.
Ojudu said Kila was entitled to seek legal redress but argued that a clear, documented response would help address the questions raised by the investigation.
He called on Kila to provide details of his academic and professional history, including the institutions he attended, qualifications obtained, teaching experience and the process through which he became a professor.
Ojudu added that relevant academic records, publications and confirmation from the institutions concerned could help resolve the dispute.
As of October 5, 2026, Kila had rejected the allegations and maintained that he is a professor, while PREMIUM TIMES continued to stand by the findings of its investigation and reported that the specific documentary evidence requested had not yet been publicly produced.
The matter therefore remains a dispute over the basis and verification of Kila’s professorial title, with Kila indicating that his lawyers are reviewing possible legal action and that supporting documentation will be made available.
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