Kila debunks ‘fake professorship’ claims, heads to court
Professor Anthony Kila has rejected a Premium Times report describing him as a “fake professor”, calling the characterisation inaccurate, misleading and damaging to his reputation and professional standing.
In a statement responding to the 3 October 2026 publication, Kila said: “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 the report reflected what he described as an incomplete understanding of the nature, origin and institutional basis of his professorship, and stressed that the matter should be assessed on the basis of the relevant facts and documentation.
Kila, who is the Pro-Chancellor of Michael and Cecilia Ibru University in Delta State and Director of the Commonwealth Institute of Advanced and Professional Studies (CIAPS), said he would make the relevant facts and documentation concerning his professorial status available.
He took particular exception to the description “fake professor”, saying it was presented as a factual conclusion requiring evidence and carried serious reputational implications.
While acknowledging journalism’s legitimate role in scrutinising the credentials of those in positions of responsibility, Kila said such scrutiny should be based on “fairness and a proper understanding of the facts.”
He said he was “baffled” by the level of attention directed at him, noting that he holds no political office, is not seeking one and is not a government official.
Kila thanked colleagues, friends, students and members of the public who had contacted him following the publication to express confidence in his academic and professional credentials.
He disclosed that he had instructed his lawyers to review the publication and any subsequent dissemination of the allegations and to advise on appropriate legal steps to protect his reputation and professional standing.
“The facts and documentation will speak for themselves,” Kila said.
