‘Fake professor’ saga: Michael and Cecilia Ibru University suspends Anthony Kila

The Michael and Cecilia Ibru University, Delta State, has asked its Pro-Chancellor, Anthony Kila, to step aside from his responsibilities following questions raised over his professorial status.

The university announced the decision on Tuesday, days after a Premium Times investigation questioned the basis of Kila’s claim to the title of professor.

According to the university, the decision was taken as it reviews the issues raised in the report and conducts an investigation into Kila’s professorial credentials.

“The Michael and Cecilia Ibru University, Agbarha-Otor, Delta State has taken note of a recent publication by Premium Times on Saturday, 03 October 2026, which has raised concerns regarding the professorial status of its Pro-Chancellor,” the statement reads.

The institution said Kila’s temporary removal from his duties was consistent with its commitment to maintaining academic standards and ensuring transparency in its governance.

“In keeping with the University’s commitment to academic integrity, transparency, and the highest standards of institutional governance, Anthony Kila has been requested to step aside from his responsibilities as Pro-Chancellor while the issues raised are being addressed, investigated, and findings concluded.

“This decision reflects the University’s responsibility to safeguard the integrity of its governance process and preserve the confidence of its students, staff, parents, regulators and the wider public.”

The university did not disclose how long the investigation would last or when a decision would be reached on Kila’s position.

Investigation raises questions

The development followed a Premium Times investigation published on October 3, 2026, which reported that it found no evidence that a recognised academic institution had conferred the rank of professor on Kila.

The investigation also questioned his use of the designation “Jean Monnet Professor of Strategy and Development”.

Kila, however, told Premium Times that he was awarded the professorship in 2016 by the European Centre for Advanced and Professional Studies, which he said was based in Cambridge, United Kingdom.

The newspaper reported that its checks did not find evidence of the institution’s existence, including searches of the UK Companies House, Nigeria’s Corporate Affairs Commission and other publicly available sources.

Kila subsequently rejected being described as a “fake professor”, insisting that he remained a professor and stood by the credentials supporting his professorial title.

The university’s decision to ask him to step aside means he will remain away from his Pro-Chancellor duties while the institution examines the issues raised by the investigation.