Anthony Kila, the pro-chancellor of Michael and Cecilia Ibru University (MCIU), has maintained that he is a professor despite a Premium Times investigation revealing no evidence of a recognized institution awarding him the academic rank. In a response published by Vanguard Newspaper, Mr. Kila stated that he stands by his title and academic credentials. However, he failed to address key questions raised by the investigation, including the identity and existence of the institution that allegedly awarded him the professorship.
According to Premium Times, Mr. Kila presented himself as a professor and a "Jean Monnet Professor of Strategy and Development" for years. He claimed that the European Centre for Advanced and Professional Studies (ECAPS), based in Cambridge, United Kingdom, awarded him the professorship in 2016. Nevertheless, searches of the UK Companies House, Nigeria's Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), and general online sources produced no evidence of the institution's existence.
Mr. Kila's latest response did not provide the necessary evidence to support his claims. He did not identify the legal or academic status of ECAPS, provide an address for the institution, or produce a certificate, appointment letter, or other document showing that ECAPS awarded him a professorial rank. Furthermore, he did not explain why an institution that allegedly conferred such an important academic title could not be independently located.
The European Education and Culture Executive Agency, which manages the Jean Monnet Actions, disowned Mr. Kila's affiliation with the Jean Monnet programme or awarding him a Jean Monnet Professorship. In his response, Mr. Kila claimed that the Premium Times report was based on "an incomplete understanding of the nature, origin and institutional basis" of his professorship. He also stated that he was prepared to make available relevant facts and documents concerning his professorial status.
However, Mr. Kila's response did not provide the necessary documents or answer specific questions raised in the investigation. He expressed being "baffled" by the attention generated by the report, noting that he does not hold political office, is not seeking one, and is not a government official. Additionally, he stated that he had instructed his lawyers to review the publication and subsequent dissemination of the allegations and advise him on appropriate legal steps to protect his reputation and professional standing.
At the time of his response, Mr. Kila had not publicly produced the documentation establishing that ECAPS exists or that it awarded him the professorial rank in 2016. He also did not explain his use of the "Jean Monnet Professor" designation despite the findings of the European Education and Culture Executive Agency. Moreover, he did not address the investigation's findings concerning his academic career and publication record.
MCIU, where Mr. Kila serves as pro-chancellor, has not publicly clarified the basis on which he is described as a professor on the university's website. The university's vice-chancellor, Ibiyinka Fuwape, a professor, told Premium Times that the institution would soon respond to the questions raised by the investigation. The controversy surrounding Mr. Kila's academic title remains unresolved.
Key points
- Anthony Kila insists on his professorial title despite a lack of evidence.
- The European Centre for Advanced and Professional Studies (ECAPS) could not be verified.
- MCIU has not clarified the basis of Mr. Kila's professorship on its website.
