Michael and Cecilia Ibru University (MCIU), Delta State, has asked its Pro-Chancellor, Anthony Kila, to step aside from his responsibilities pending an investigation into questions surrounding his professorial status.
The university announced the decision on Tuesday, three days after a PREMIUM TIMES investigation questioned the basis of Kila’s professorial title.
In a statement, the university said Kila had been asked to step aside in line with its commitment to academic integrity, transparency and high standards of institutional governance.
“Anthony Kila has been requested to step aside from his responsibilities as Pro-Chancellor while the issues raised are being addressed, investigated, and findings concluded,” the university said.
MCIU said the decision was necessary to protect the integrity of its governance processes and maintain the confidence of its students, staff, parents, regulators and the wider public.
The university did not specify how long the investigation would take.
Investigation raises questions over professorship
PREMIUM TIMES reported on October 3 that its investigation found no evidence that a recognised academic institution had awarded Kila the rank of professor.
The investigation also examined Kila’s use of the title “Jean Monnet Professor of Strategy and Development” and reported that it found no evidence supporting the designation.
Kila had told PREMIUM TIMES that the European Centre for Advanced and Professional Studies (ECAPS), which he said was based in Cambridge, United Kingdom, awarded him the professorship in 2016.
However, the newspaper reported that searches of the UK Companies House, Nigeria’s Corporate Affairs Commission and other publicly available sources produced no evidence that ECAPS existed.
The investigation further reported that the European Education and Culture Executive Agency, which administers the European Union’s Jean Monnet programme, did not list Kila as a Jean Monnet project coordinator.
Kila rejects ‘fake professor’ description
Kila has rejected the description of him as a “fake professor”, insisting that he is a professor and stands by the professional and academic credentials on which his title is based.
In a subsequent response, he said he was prepared to make documents concerning his professorial status available.
However, the reports preceding the university’s decision did not publicly establish the identity or status of an institution that awarded him the professorial rank.
Kila had also said he instructed his lawyers to review the publication and subsequent dissemination of the allegations and advise him on possible legal steps to protect his reputation and professional standing.
Kila’s profile removed from university website
The university’s decision came after reports that Kila’s name, profile and photographs had been removed from the MCIU website.
His profile had previously appeared alongside those of the university’s proprietress, Cecilia Ibru, and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ibiyinka Fuwape.
The university’s latest action places Kila’s professorial status and his role as Pro-Chancellor under formal institutional scrutiny, with MCIU expected to determine the outcome after its investigation.
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