The Michael and Cecilia Ibru University, Delta State, has asked its Pro-Chancellor, Anthony Kila, to step aside amid an investigation into questions surrounding his professorial title.
The university’s decision follows an investigation by PREMIUM TIMES that questioned the basis of Kila’s use of the title “Professor” and the designation “Jean Monnet Professor of Strategy and Development.”
The university announced the decision in a statement on Tuesday, saying it was acting in line with its commitment to academic integrity, transparency and sound institutional governance.
According to the statement, Kila has been asked to step aside from his responsibilities as Pro-Chancellor while the issues raised in the publication are investigated and the findings concluded.
The university said the move was necessary to protect the integrity of its governance processes and maintain the confidence of students, staff, parents, regulators and members of the public.
It did not specify how long the investigation would last.
The development followed a PREMIUM TIMES investigation published on October 3, which reported that it found no evidence that a recognised academic institution had awarded Kila the rank of professor.
The investigation also questioned the basis of Kila’s claim to the designation “Jean Monnet Professor of Strategy and Development.”
Kila had reportedly told the newspaper that the professorship was awarded to him in 2016 by the European Centre for Advanced and Professional Studies, which he said was based in Cambridge, United Kingdom.
However, according to the newspaper’s report, searches of publicly available records, including the UK Companies House and Nigeria’s Corporate Affairs Commission, produced no evidence that the institution existed.
Kila has rejected the description of him as a “fake professor” and maintained that he is a professor, insisting that he stands by the credentials supporting the title.
