A recent investigation by PREMIUM TIMES has exposed Anthony Kila, the pro-chancellor of Michael and Cecilia Ibru University (MCIU), as a fake professor. For years, Mr Kila has been presented as a professor and “Jean Monnet professor” in television and newspaper interviews. His profiles on the websites of MCIU and the Commonwealth Institute of Advanced and Professional Studies (CIAPS) also identified him as a professor. However, the investigation found that no recognised academic institution had awarded Mr Kila a professorial title.
According to the investigation, Mr Kila claimed that the European Centre for Advanced and Professional Studies (ECAPS), based in Cambridge, United Kingdom, awarded him the professorship in 2016. However, PREMIUM TIMES found no evidence that the institution exists. Furthermore, the European Education and Culture Executive Agency, which administers the European Union’s Jean Monnet programme, said Mr Kila did not appear as a Jean Monnet project coordinator in its directory.
The investigation also examined Mr Kila’s Google Scholar profile, which contained 22 works, nine of which were not authored by him. Of the works attributed to him, PREMIUM TIMES could not independently establish any as peer-reviewed articles in reputable academic journals. This has raised concerns about the authenticity of Mr Kila’s academic credentials and the ease with which he was able to present himself as a professor.
The exposé has triggered a barrage of reactions from Nigerians on social media, with many expressing shock and outrage that media organisations could have repeatedly presented Mr Kila as a professor for years without scrutiny. Some comments commended PREMIUM TIMES for its investigation and called for further action to be taken against individuals presenting fake certificates.
Yusuf Ali, a social media user, wrote on X that Mr Kila should be prosecuted for false identity and academic fraud. Another user, @IKENNA_911, praised PREMIUM TIMES for its investigation and noted that Mr Kila’s Google Scholar profile showed that his major work was attributed to another person, Kikelomo Kila. Joshua Egbodo, another user, commented on the widespread desire for titles and the need for greater scrutiny.
Other reactions focused on the wider issue of people presenting questionable academic credentials in Nigeria. Some users suggested that other individuals who present themselves as professors should also have their credentials scrutinised. @drbak_ posted that there may be many more individuals who have attained professorship through opaque means and called on the National Universities Commission (NUC) to take action.
The exposé has highlighted concerns about the academic environment in Nigeria and the need for greater accountability. As the reactions continue to pour in, it remains to be seen what actions will be taken against Mr Kila and others who may be presenting fake academic credentials.
Key points
- PREMIUM TIMES investigation exposes Anthony Kila as a fake professor.
- Nigerians react with shock and outrage on social media.
- Calls for greater scrutiny of academic credentials and action against individuals presenting fake certificates.
