Professor Anthony Kila, the Pro-Chancellor of Michael and Cecilia Ibru University, Delta State, has rejected reports describing him as a “fake professor”, saying the allegation is inaccurate, misleading and damaging to his reputation.
Kila, in a statement responding to a recent PREMIUM TIMES investigation, maintained that he is a professor and stands by the academic and professional credentials supporting his title.
He said the report was based on what he described as an incomplete understanding of the origin and institutional basis of his professorship. Kila added that he was prepared to provide relevant facts and documents to clarify his academic status.
The controversy followed an investigation by PREMIUM TIMES which reported that no recognised academic institution had awarded Kila the rank of professor. The report said Kila had attributed his professorship to the European Centre for Advanced and Professional Studies, an institution the newspaper said it could not independently verify.
Kila also rejected the description “fake professor”, arguing that it was presented as a factual conclusion with serious implications for his professional reputation.
He disclosed that he had instructed his lawyers to review the publication and advise on possible legal action.
Meanwhile, the Vice-Chancellor of Michael and Cecilia Ibru University, Ibiyinka Fuwape, said the institution would respond to questions arising from the investigation after internal consultations.
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