Pro-Chancellor Kila rejects Premium Times’ “fake Professor” report, threatens legal action

“I am a Professor, and I stand by it”—Kila hits back

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.

Responding to the October 3 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 an incomplete understanding of the nature, origin and institutional basis of his professorship, and pledged to make relevant facts and documentation available.

Kila, Pro-Chancellor of Michael and Cecilia Ibru University in Delta State and Director of the Commonwealth Institute of Advanced and Professional Studies (CIAPS), took particular exception to the “fake professor” label, describing it as a factual conclusion requiring evidence and one carrying serious reputational implications. While acknowledging journalism’s legitimate role in scrutinising credentials, he said such scrutiny should be grounded in “fairness and a proper understanding of the facts.”

He said he was “baffled” by the attention, noting he holds no political office and is not a government official. Kila thanked supporters who reached out following the report and said he had instructed lawyers to review the publication and advise on legal steps. “The facts and documentation will speak for themselves,” he said.