MCIU deletes pro-chancellor Kila website after fake professor exposé
Following a Premium Times investigation that revealed Michael and Cecilia Ibru University’s pro-chancellor, Anthony Kila, as a fake professor, the university has scrubbed all traces of him from its website. Kila, who has held the pro-chancellor role since August 2025, previously had his name, profile and photographs displayed alongside those of proprietress Cecilia Ibru and Vice-Chancellor Ibiyinka Fuwape. As of Monday evening, Premium Times confirmed that Kila’s details were completely removed, with no public statement yet from the institution. Vice-Chancellor Fuwape said the university council will meet and issue a response soon.
The investigation found that Kila has falsely claimed to be a professor for over a decade, citing a 2016 award from the European Centre for Advanced and Professional Studies (ECAPS) in Cambridge, UK. However, checks with UK Companies House, Nigeria’s Corporate Affairs Commission and the European Education and Culture Executive Agency showed ECAPS does not exist and Kila has no affiliation with the Jean Monnet programme he invoked. When contacted, Kila sidestepped questions but insisted he is a legitimate professor, saying his lawyers are reviewing the allegations.
This episode raises concerns about credential verification in Nigeria’s higher education sector. Will you now scrutinize the academic titles of university officials before accepting their authority on educational or policy matters?