The Pro-Chancellor of Michael and Cecilia Ibru University, Delta State, Anthony Kila, has rejected reports describing him as a “fake professor”, insisting that the label is inaccurate, misleading and damaging to his reputation.

Kila made his position known in a statement responding to a publication dated October 3, 2026, in which questions were raised about the basis of his professorial title.

The university administrator and academic said he remains a professor and stands firmly behind 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,” he said.

Kila Challenges Report

Kila argued that the report was based on what he described as an incomplete understanding of the origin, nature and institutional basis of his professorship.

He said the matter should instead be assessed using the relevant facts and supporting documents, adding that he was willing to make documentation relating to his professorial status available for examination.

Kila, who is also the Director of the Commonwealth Institute of Advanced and Professional Studies, particularly objected to the phrase “fake professor”.

He said presenting the description as an established fact had serious implications for his professional reputation and standing.

“I am baffled by the level of attention directed at me,” Kila said, stressing that he does not hold political office, is not seeking one and is not a government official.

Questions Over Professorial Title

The controversy followed a report by PREMIUM TIMES, which alleged that Kila had for years presented himself as a professor and as a “Jean Monnet Professor of Strategy and Development” without evidence that a recognised university had awarded him the academic rank.

According to the report, Kila maintained that his professorship was conferred in 2016 by the European Centre for Advanced and Professional Studies, which he said was based in Cambridge, United Kingdom.

Kila said journalism has an important role to play in scrutinising the credentials of individuals holding positions of responsibility. However, he maintained that such investigations should be conducted fairly and with a proper understanding of the available facts.

He also expressed appreciation to colleagues, friends, students and members of the public who reached out to him following the publication to express confidence in his academic and professional credentials.

The controversy over his professorial title remains centred on the institutional basis and recognition of the professorship, with Kila maintaining that the credentials supporting his title are valid and that relevant documentation can be provided.