Professor Anthony Kila has rejected allegations that he falsely presented himself as a professor, following an investigation by PREMIUM TIMES questioning the basis of his professorial title.
Kila, the Pro-Chancellor of Michael and Cecilia Ibru University, Delta State, described the “fake professor” characterisation as inaccurate, misleading and damaging to his reputation.
He insisted that he is a professor and said he stands by the academic and professional credentials supporting the title.
The controversy followed a PREMIUM TIMES investigation published on October 3, which reported that it could not find evidence that a recognised academic institution had awarded Kila the rank of professor.
The newspaper also questioned his use of the title “Jean Monnet Professor of Strategy and Development” and raised questions about some of the academic credentials listed in his profiles.
Kila, however, said the report was based on what he described as an incomplete understanding of the origin and institutional basis of his professorship.
He said he was prepared to make the relevant documents available and disclosed that he had instructed his lawyers to review the publication and advise him on possible legal action.
PREMIUM TIMES has maintained that key questions remain unanswered, including the identity and status of the institution Kila says awarded him his professorship.
The dispute has now placed Kila’s academic credentials under intense public scrutiny, with attention focused on the documents and evidence that may ultimately establish the basis of his professorial title.