Former senator asks Kila to prove his academic claims

Former senator Babafemi Ojudu has challenged Anthony Kila to show proof of his academic and professional background. This comes after PREMIUM TIMES did an investigation into the claims about Mr Kila's professorship.

Mr Ojudu, who is also a journalist and politician, said he was "shocked" by the allegations against Mr Kila. He knows Mr Kila from a Yoruba group where the academic participated in meetings and acted respectfully.

In a Facebook post on Monday morning, Mr Ojudu said he was still trying to process the investigation. He found the allegations hard to believe because of his respect for Mr Kila and his trust in PREMIUM TIMES.

"We need a clear, substantive response from him, beyond threats of legal action," Mr Ojudu said. "If the allegations are untrue, verifiable evidence should provide a compelling rebuttal."

Mr Ojudu urged Mr Kila to publicly share details of his academic and professional journey. This includes where he studied, the dates, the qualifications he earned, and who supervised his master's dissertation and doctoral thesis.

He also wanted to know where and when Mr Kila taught and how he became a professor. "Relevant records, publications and confirmation from the institutions concerned would help settle the matter," Mr Ojudu said. He added that former teachers, classmates, colleagues, and students could also support Mr Kila’s claims.

The former senator recognized that Mr Kila has the right to take legal action regarding the allegations. "You are entitled to seek legal redress. But a clear, documented response would go a long way towards answering these allegations and reassuring those of us who hold you in high regard," he said.

Mr Ojudu finished by urging Mr Kila to present evidence that could help his supporters understand the allegations. "Give us the facts and the evidence. Those of us who respect you will then have a firm basis on which to speak in your defence," he said.

PREMIUM TIMES’ investigation released on Saturday looked into Mr Kila’s academic credentials and his claim to the title of professor.

Mr Kila, who is the pro-chancellor of Michael and Cecilia Ibru University, has often called himself a professor and a "Jean Monnet Professor of Strategy and Development". But PREMIUM TIMES found that he has never been officially given that title.

Mr Kila has threatened legal action over the report. He insists on his position and denies the allegations made against him.

Mr Ojudu served as senator for Ekiti Central from 2011 to 2015. He won the seat under the Action Congress of Nigeria, beating former Governor Ayo Fayose of Ekiti.