Anthony Kila Suspended as MCIU Pro-Chancellor Over ‘Fake Professorship’ Allegations

The Michael and Cecilia Ibru University (MCIU), Delta State, has suspended its Pro-Chancellor, Anthony Kila, following questions over his professorial credentials.

The university announced the decision in a statement on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, three days after a PREMIUM TIMES investigation raised questions about the basis of Kila’s professorial title.

According to the university, Kila has been asked to step aside while the matter is investigated and the issues raised are resolved.

 “In keeping with the University’s commitment to academic integrity, transparency, and the highest 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.”

MCIU said the decision was necessary to protect the integrity of its governance processes and maintain the confidence of students, staff, parents, regulators and the wider public.

The university did not give a timeline for the investigation.

The controversy followed a PREMIUM TIMES report published on October 3, which said it found no evidence that a recognised academic institution had awarded Kila the rank of professor.

The report also questioned his use of the title “Jean Monnet Professor of Strategy and Development.”

Kila had told PREMIUM TIMES that he received the professorship in 2016 from the European Centre for Advanced and Professional Studies (ECAPS), which he said was based in Cambridge, United Kingdom.

However, the newspaper reported that searches of the UK Companies House, Nigeria’s Corporate Affairs Commission and other publicly available records produced no evidence that an institution by that name exists.

Kila has rejected the description of him as a “fake professor”. He maintained that he is a professor and said he stood by the credentials supporting his professorial title.

The university’s decision means Kila will remain away from his Pro-Chancellor duties while MCIU reviews the issues surrounding his academic credentials.