ARISE News has announced that political analyst Anthony Kila will no longer appear on its television channel or other platforms following questions raised about his academic qualifications in an investigation by PREMIUM TIMES.
The media organisation announced the decision in a statement published on its Facebook page on Tuesday, saying concerns surrounding his credentials remained unresolved.
According to ARISE News, it contacted Kila on October 3, 2026, and shared the findings of the investigation with him, giving him an opportunity to respond.
The network said Kila requested additional time to address the issues but had yet to provide an explanation 10 days after the allegations were brought to his attention.
“Instead the allegations have gotten worse,” the statement said, without providing further details about the additional concerns.
ARISE News added that, in view of the unresolved questions, it could no longer continue featuring Kila as a freelance political analyst.
The organisation explained that it was unaware of the allegations when he appeared on its programmes, emphasising that credibility and integrity remained important considerations in its editorial decisions.
It further stated that, with immediate effect, Kila would not be featured on any of its platforms, either presently or in the future.
The development followed two investigative reports by PREMIUM TIMES published on October 3 and October 10, which examined inconsistencies in Kila’s claimed academic qualifications, including his bachelor’s degree and doctorate.
The initial investigation questioned whether a recognised academic institution had awarded him the professorial title he had publicly used for years. It also raised concerns about information concerning his academic background on the websites of Michael and Cecilia Ibru University and the Commonwealth Institute of Advanced and Professional Studies.
The controversy has also drawn the attention of Michael and Cecilia Ibru University in Delta State, where Kila served as pro-chancellor from August 2025. The institution reportedly asked him to step aside pending an investigation into his professorial status, citing its commitment to academic integrity and proper institutional governance.
Meanwhile, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has constituted a team to investigate the allegations against Kila, including whether the university benefited from his actions.
In an earlier response reported by PREMIUM TIMES, Kila said he was compiling his academic and professional documents and contacting the institutions concerned.
However, ARISE News said he had not responded to the concerns formally presented to him on October 3 before the network decided to discontinue his appearances.
