The Michael and Cecilia Ibru University, Delta State, has asked its Pro-Chancellor, Anthony Kila, to step aside from his responsibilities pending an investigation into questions surrounding his professorial title.
The university announced the decision on Tuesday, three days after an investigation raised questions about the basis of Kila’s claim to the title of professor.
In a statement, the institution said the move was part of efforts to uphold “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,” the university said.
It said the decision was necessary to protect the integrity of its governance processes and sustain the confidence of students, staff, parents, regulators and the general public.
The university did not state how long the investigation would last or when its findings would be made public.
The development followed an investigation published on October 3 which reportedly found no evidence that a recognised academic institution had awarded Kila the rank of professor.
The investigation also examined Kila’s use of the designation, “Jean Monnet Professor of Strategy and Development,” and found no evidence to substantiate the claim.
Kila had reportedly told the publication that the European Centre for Advanced and Professional Studies, which he said was based in Cambridge, United Kingdom, awarded him the professorship in 2016.
However, checks with the UK Companies House, Nigeria’s Corporate Affairs Commission and other publicly available sources reportedly found no evidence that such an institution existed.
The investigation also 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 has rejected the description of him as a “fake professor”, maintaining that he is a professor and stands by the credentials supporting his title.
In a response reported on Monday, Kila said he was prepared to provide documents relating to his professorial status.
The university’s decision also came after Kila’s name, profile and photographs were reportedly removed from its website.
His profile had previously appeared on the university’s website alongside those of the institution’s proprietress, Cecilia Ibru, and Vice-Chancellor, Ibiyinka Fuwape.
The university said it would address the matter based on the outcome of its investigation.
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