The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has launched an investigation into Anthony Kila, following allegations that he falsely presented himself as a professor. A source at the anti-corruption agency confirmed that a team has been set up to look into the matter, citing concerns about Mr Kila's position as Pro-Chancellor of Michael and Cecilia Ibru University (MCIU) in Delta State. The ICPC considers it embarrassing for the head of a university's governing council to claim a professorial title without evidence.
The investigation will not only verify Mr Kila's professorship claims but also examine whether MCIU used his supposed professorial status in official documents or engagements. The ICPC will determine if the university obtained any advantage or leverage from his claimed academic title. This follows a Premium Times investigation that raised questions about Mr Kila's academic credentials and his claim to the title of professor. The ICPC's interest is heightened by Mr Kila's position as Pro-Chancellor, and the agency will establish whether the alleged misrepresentation had implications for the university or its dealings with public institutions.
Meanwhile, MCIU has removed all references to Mr Kila from its website, apparently distancing itself from him. Mr Kila's name, profile, and photographs were previously published on the institution's website, but a review on Monday showed that they had been deleted. The university has yet to make a public statement on the investigation, which exposed Mr Kila as a fake professor. The Vice-Chancellor, Ibiyinka Fuwape, said the institution would soon respond to the questions raised by the investigation.
For over a decade, Mr Kila has claimed to be a professor, featuring in public events and on national television. However, Premium Times found that Mr Kila was never awarded the academic rank and had falsely presented himself as a professor and a "Jean Monnet Professor of Strategy and Development". When contacted, Mr Kila claimed that the European Centre for Advanced and Professional Studies (ECAPS) awarded him the professorship in 2016, but no evidence of the institution's existence was found.
Searches of the UK Companies House, Nigeria's Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), and general online sources produced no evidence of ECAPS, including a website, social media accounts, or alumni records. The European Education and Culture Executive Agency, which manages the Jean Monnet Actions, also disowned Mr Kila's affiliation with the Jean Monnet programme or awarding him a Jean Monnet Professorship. This has raised further questions about Mr Kila's academic credentials.
In response to the investigation, Mr Kila sidestepped the questions raised but maintained that he is a legitimate professor, without providing evidence of the institution that awarded him the professorial rank. He claimed that the report was based on "an incomplete understanding of the nature, origin and institutional basis" of his professorship. Mr Kila also stated that he had instructed his lawyers to review the publication and subsequent dissemination of the allegations.
The ICPC is expected to establish the facts surrounding Mr Kila's use of the professorial title, including the circumstances under which the title was presented and whether any official benefit was derived from it. The investigation will also determine if any implications arise for MCIU or its dealings with public institutions. The outcome of the investigation is yet to be determined.
Key points
- ICPC investigates Anthony Kila over fake professorship claims.
- MCIU removes references to Mr Kila from its website.
- Mr Kila's academic credentials have been questioned.
