Michael and Cecilia Ibru University in Delta State has taken down the profile and photographs of its Pro-Chancellor, Anthony Kila, from its official website. This move comes amid a controversy surrounding Kila's use of the title "professor". A review of the university's website on Tuesday morning confirmed that Kila's name, profile, and photographs were no longer listed. His profile had previously been listed alongside those of the university's proprietress, Cecilia Ibru, and Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ibiyinka Fuwape.
The development follows an investigation by PREMIUM TIMES that found no evidence of Kila being awarded the academic rank of professor by a recognised university. Despite this, Kila has long used the title. The university has not publicly explained the removal of Kila's profile or addressed the allegations. The Vice-Chancellor had previously indicated that the institution would respond to questions raised by the investigation.
Kila has rejected the description of him as a "fake professor", maintaining that he is a professor and that his academic and professional credentials support this title. In a statement responding to the report, Kila said the publication was based on an incomplete understanding of the origin and institutional basis of his professorship. He also expressed willingness to make documents relating to his professorial status available for scrutiny.
Kila, who is also the Director of the Commonwealth Institute of Advanced and Professional Studies, criticised the use of the term "fake professor", arguing that it amounted to a factual conclusion with serious implications for his reputation. He acknowledged the importance of journalists scrutinising the credentials of individuals holding positions of responsibility but called for such scrutiny to be conducted fairly and with proper understanding of the facts.
According to the investigation, Kila claimed that the European Centre for Advanced and Professional Studies, based in Cambridge, United Kingdom, awarded him the professorship in 2016. However, the university's decision to remove his profile does not, by itself, establish whether his professorial title is valid. The circumstances surrounding Kila's professorship have raised questions about the verification of academic credentials.
Michael and Cecilia Ibru University has yet to issue a public statement explaining the removal or clarifying its position on Kila's professorial status. The institution's silence has contributed to ongoing speculation and debate about the legitimacy of Kila's title. The controversy highlights the importance of transparent and verifiable academic credentials for individuals in positions of authority.
The removal of Kila's profile from the university's website has sparked a wider conversation about academic integrity and the use of titles. Key stakeholders are calling for greater scrutiny and verification of academic credentials to prevent similar controversies in the future. The incident has also raised questions about the role of institutions in ensuring the accuracy of information presented to the public.
Key points
- The university removed Kila's profile amid controversy over his use of the title "professor".
- Kila claims his professorship was awarded by the European Centre for Advanced and Professional Studies in 2016.
- The university has not publicly explained the removal of Kila's profile or addressed the allegations.
