Prof Anthony Kila
Professor Anthony Kila has strongly rejected a report by Premium Times describing him as a “fake professor,” saying the publication is inaccurate, misleading, and injurious to his reputation and professional standing.
The report, published on 3 October 2026, had questioned the basis of his professorial title.
Reacting in a statement issued on Saturday, 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.”
Kila said the report betrayed what he termed an incomplete understanding of the nature, origin and institutional basis of his professorship, adding that any objective assessment must be grounded on verifiable facts and documentation.
A Jean Monnet Professor of Strategy and Development and a globally recognised scholar, Kila is the Pro-Chancellor of Michael and Cecilia Ibru University, Delta State, and Director of the Commonwealth Institute of Advanced and Professional Studies (CIAPS), Lagos.
He noted that he would in due course make public the relevant facts and documentation concerning his professorial status.
Kila took particular exception to the use of the label “fake professor,” arguing that it was presented as a definitive finding of fact which requires evidential proof and carries grave reputational consequences.
While acknowledging the legitimate role of journalism in scrutinising the credentials of persons in positions of responsibility, he insisted that such scrutiny must be anchored on fairness, accuracy and a proper appreciation of the facts.
He said he was “baffled” by the disproportionate attention directed at him, stressing that he holds no political office, is not seeking one and is not a government official.
Kila expressed appreciation to colleagues, friends, students and members of the public who have reached out since the publication to express confidence in his academic and professional integrity.
He disclosed that he has instructed his lawyers to thoroughly review the publication and any further dissemination of the allegations and to advise on appropriate legal steps to protect his reputation and professional standing.
“The facts and documentation will speak for themselves,” he said.
