Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Michael and Cecilia Ibru University, Delta State, has removed the profile and photographs of its Pro-Chancellor, Anthony Kila, from its official website amid an ongoing controversy over his professorial credentials.
A review of the university’s website on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, showed that Kila’s name, profile and photographs were no longer listed among the institution’s leadership, days after a PREMIUM TIMES investigation questioned his claim to the title of professor.
Kila had previously been featured on the university’s website alongside the institution’s proprietress, Cecilia Ibru, and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ibiyinka Fuwape.
The development follows a report by PREMIUM TIMES published on October 3, which alleged that Kila had presented himself as a professor and “Jean Monnet Professor of Strategy and Development” for years without evidence that a recognised university had awarded him the academic rank.
The investigation reported that Kila attributed his professorship to the European Centre for Advanced and Professional Studies, which he said was based in Cambridge, United Kingdom.
According to PREMIUM TIMES, searches of the UK Companies House, Nigeria’s Corporate Affairs Commission and other sources produced no evidence of the institution, including a verifiable website, physical address, social media presence or alumni records. The report also said the European Education and Culture Executive Agency had disowned any affiliation with Kila or the award of a Jean Monnet Professorship to him.
Kila, however, has rejected the description of him as a “fake professor”, insisting that the claim was inaccurate, misleading and damaging to his reputation.
In a statement issued in response to the investigation, he maintained that he remained a professor and stood by the academic and professional credentials supporting the title.
“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 origin and institutional basis of his professorship.
Kila also said he was prepared to make documents relating to his professorial status available and indicated that his lawyers were reviewing the publication and its subsequent dissemination.
The university itself has not publicly declared that Kila has been removed from his position as Pro-Chancellor.
Following the initial investigation, the university’s Vice-Chancellor, Fuwape, said the institution would respond after its governing council had considered the issues raised.
Fuwape said the university needed to consult internally before providing further information on the matter.
The removal of Kila’s online profile therefore represents a change to the university’s website but, in the absence of an official announcement, does not by itself establish that his appointment as Pro-Chancellor has been terminated.
The controversy has also attracted the attention of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, which has reportedly constituted a team to investigate the allegations surrounding Kila’s professorship and whether the university benefited from his use of the title.
Kila was appointed Pro-Chancellor of Michael and Cecilia Ibru University in August 2025. The position involves chairing the university’s governing council, which is responsible for matters including the institution’s administration, policies, finances and assets.
The PREMIUM TIMES investigation also raised questions about some of the academic qualifications contained in Kila’s public profiles, although the newspaper said its verification of some of those claims was still ongoing.
Kila has disputed the allegations and maintained that his academic and professional credentials are legitimate.
As of Tuesday, October 6, the university had not issued a public statement explaining why Kila’s profile and photographs were removed from its website or whether the action has any connection to the controversy surrounding his professorial title.
The development comes as scrutiny of Kila’s credentials continues, with his response, the university’s position and the reported ICPC investigation now forming separate aspects of the controversy.
For now, the removal of his profile from the university’s website is established, while the wider allegations concerning his professorial status remain contested by Kila.
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