Professor Anthony Kila has rejected a report describing him as a “fake professor”, saying the characterisation is inaccurate, misleading and damaging to his reputation.
Gatekeepers News reports that Kila, in a statement responding to the October 3, 2026 publication, said he remains a professor and stood by the academic and professional credentials supporting his professorial title.
“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.
He argued that the report was based on what he described as an incomplete understanding of the nature, origin and institutional basis of his professorship.
Kila, who is Pro-Chancellor of Michael and Cecilia Ibru University in Delta State and Director of the Commonwealth Institute of Advanced and Professional Studies (CIAPS), said the issue should be assessed based on the relevant facts and available documentation.
He particularly objected to the use of the term “fake professor”, arguing that it was presented as a factual conclusion and therefore required evidence.
According to him, the description had serious implications for his reputation and professional standing.
Kila acknowledged the role of journalism in scrutinising the credentials of people holding positions of responsibility but said such scrutiny should be conducted with fairness and a proper understanding of the facts.
He also questioned the level of attention given to the issue, noting that he does not hold political office, is not seeking political office and is not a government official.
The professor said he appreciated colleagues, friends, students and members of the public who contacted him after the publication to express confidence in his academic and professional credentials.
Kila further disclosed that he had instructed his lawyers to review the publication and subsequent dissemination of the allegations.
He said his legal representatives would advise on appropriate steps to protect his reputation and professional standing.
“The facts and documentation will speak for themselves,” Kila said.
