Education
Pro-Chancellor Kila Faults Report on Academic Status, Vows to Defend Reputation in Court
By Joseph Sunday
Professor Anthony Kila has dismissed as false and defamatory reports labelling him a “fake professor,” insisting that his academic title is legitimate and backed by verifiable credentials.
Reacting to a publication dated October 3, 2026, which questioned his professorial status, Kila said the report was misleading and injurious to his reputation.
“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,” he said in a statement.
Kila stated that the publication reflected an incomplete understanding of the nature and institutional basis of his professorship, stressing that the issue should be judged on facts and supporting documents.
The Pro-Chancellor of Michael and Cecilia Ibru University, Delta State, and Director of the Commonwealth Institute of Advanced and Professional Studies (CIAPS), said he is ready to make available all relevant documents concerning his professorial status.
He particularly faulted the use of the phrase “fake professor,” arguing that it was presented as a statement of fact without evidence and carries grave reputational consequences.
While acknowledging the media’s duty to scrutinise persons in positions of responsibility, Kila said such scrutiny must be fair and fact-based.
He expressed surprise at the attention generated by the report, noting that he does not hold political office, is not seeking one, and is not a government official.
Kila also appreciated colleagues, friends, students and members of the public who reached out to him to express confidence in his credentials following the publication.
He confirmed that he has briefed his lawyers to review the publication and its circulation and to advise on legal steps to protect his reputation.
“The facts and documentation will speak for themselves,” he added.