Michael and Cecilia Ibru University, Agbarho, Delta State, has removed the profile and photographs of its Pro-Chancellor, Anthony Kila, from its official website amid an ongoing controversy over his use of the title “Professor.”
A review of the university’s website at about 9:25 a.m. on Tuesday showed that Kila’s name, profile and photographs were no longer listed on the platform.
Key Highlights
- Michael and Cecilia Ibru University has removed Pro-Chancellor Anthony Kila’s profile and photographs from its website.
- The development comes amid controversy over Kila’s use of the title “Professor.”
- The university has not publicly explained why his profile was removed.
- Kila has rejected descriptions of him as a “fake professor”, saying he is entitled to the title.
- Kila said the European Centre for Advanced and Professional Studies in Cambridge, UK, awarded him the professorship in 2016.
- The removal of his profile does not by itself establish whether his professorial title is valid or invalid.
University Removes Kila’s Profile
Kila’s profile had previously appeared on the university’s website alongside those of the institution’s proprietress, Cecilia Ibru, and the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ibiyinka Fuwape.
The removal has raised further questions about the university’s position on the controversy. However, the institution has not publicly stated why Kila’s profile was removed or whether the decision was connected to questions surrounding his professorial title.
The university has also not issued a formal statement explaining its position on the matter.
Kila Rejects ‘Fake Professor’ Description
Meanwhile, Kila has rejected the description of him as a “fake professor”, arguing that the characterisation is inaccurate, misleading and damaging to his reputation.
In a statement responding to a publication dated October 3, 2026, Kila maintained that he is a professor and said his claim is supported by his academic and professional credentials.
“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.
Kila argued that the report was based on what he described as an incomplete understanding of the origin and institutional basis of his professorial title.
He also said he was willing to provide documents relating to his professorial status for scrutiny.
Kila Challenges ‘Fake Professor’ Allegation
The Pro-Chancellor objected to the description “fake professor”, arguing that it presented an allegation as an established fact and could damage his reputation.
“I am baffled by the level of attention directed at me,” he said, stressing that he had neither held political office nor sought one and was not a government official.
Kila acknowledged the role of journalism in scrutinising the credentials of individuals occupying positions of responsibility.
However, he maintained that such investigations should be conducted fairly and with a proper understanding of the relevant facts.
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Kila Says UK-Based Institution Awarded Professorship
According to the investigation, Kila said the European Centre for Advanced and Professional Studies, based in Cambridge, United Kingdom, awarded him the professorship in 2016.
He maintained that the title was based on his academic and professional credentials and offered to make relevant documentation available for scrutiny.
The claims surrounding the title remain disputed, while the university has not publicly clarified its position.
University Yet to Explain Profile Removal
The removal of Kila’s profile from the university’s website does not, on its own, establish whether his professorial title is valid or invalid.
The institution has yet to publicly explain the reason for removing his profile or issue a formal response to the allegations surrounding his academic title.
The development leaves the central question over Kila’s professorial designation unresolved, pending any official clarification from the university or further documentary evidence concerning the basis of the title.
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