Michael and Cecilia Ibru University, Delta State, has removed the profile and photographs of its Pro-Chancellor, Anthony Kila, from its official website amid controversy over his use of the title “professor.”
A review of the university’s website on Tuesday morning showed that Kila’s name, profile and photographs were no longer listed on the platform.
His profile had previously appeared alongside those of the university’s proprietress, Cecilia Ibru, and Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ibiyinka Fuwape.
The development comes days after an investigation by PREMIUM TIMES reported that it found no evidence that a recognised university had awarded Kila the academic rank of professor, despite his longstanding use of the title.
The university has not publicly explained the removal of Kila’s profile or addressed the allegations.
The Vice-Chancellor had previously indicated that the institution would respond to questions raised by the investigation.
Kila, however, has rejected the description of him as a “fake professor”, maintaining that he is a professor and that the title is supported by his academic and professional credentials.
In a statement responding to the report, Kila said the publication was based on what he described as an incomplete understanding of the origin and institutional basis of his professorship.
He also said he was willing to make documents relating to his professorial status available for scrutiny.
Kila, who is also the Director of the Commonwealth Institute of Advanced and Professional Studies, criticised the use of the term “fake professor”, arguing that it amounted to a factual conclusion with serious implications for his reputation.
He acknowledged the importance of journalists scrutinising the credentials of individuals holding positions of responsibility but called for such scrutiny to be conducted fairly and with proper understanding of the facts.
According to the investigation, Kila had said the European Centre for Advanced and Professional Studies, which he described as being based in Cambridge, United Kingdom, awarded him the professorship in 2016.
However, the university’s decision to remove his profile does not, by itself, establish whether his professorial title is valid.
Michael and Cecilia Ibru University has yet to issue a public statement explaining the removal or clarifying its position on Kila’s professorial status.
