ARISE News has officially severed ties with political analyst Anthony Kila, announcing that he is barred from appearing on its television channel and all associated digital platforms. The network’s decision follows a damning investigative report by PREMIUM TIMES that cast significant doubt on the authenticity of Mr. Kila’s academic credentials.
In a formal statement released on its Facebook page this Tuesday, the network declared that Mr. Kila’s continued presence on the channel was no longer tenable. The move follows an inquiry initiated by the station after PREMIUM TIMES published findings alleging that Mr. Kila had falsified his entire academic record, ranging from his bachelor’s degree to his doctorate.
According to ARISE News, the network took the allegations seriously upon their emergence. Management reached out to Mr. Kila on 3 October 2026, presenting him with the investigative findings and requesting clarification. While Mr. Kila requested additional time to prepare a response, the network stated that he failed to provide any such response within the ten-day window that followed.
“Instead, the allegations have gotten worse,” the network noted, though it did not provide specific details on the nature of the secondary allegations. Emphasizing its commitment to integrity, ARISE News stated that it was unaware of these discrepancies when it initially invited Mr. Kila to serve as a freelance political analyst. Consequently, the network has issued a permanent ban, stating he will not be featured on any of its platforms “at any time now or in future,” effective immediately.
The investigation into Mr. Kila’s background has sent shockwaves through Nigeria’s academic and public policy circles. A follow-up report published by PREMIUM TIMES on 10 October solidified the claims, documenting persistent discrepancies in his academic profile. Previous reporting highlighted an absence of evidence regarding his purported professorial title, as well as questions regarding his credentials listed on the websites of the Commonwealth Institute of Advanced and Professional Studies and the Michael and Cecilia Ibru University (MCIU).
The repercussions extend beyond media appearances. Following the initial allegations, the management of the Michael and Cecilia Ibru University in Delta State—where Mr. Kila served as pro-chancellor—ordered him to step aside pending an investigation into his professorial status.
Furthermore, the scandal has drawn the attention of federal authorities. The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has reportedly constituted a team to probe the validity of Mr. Kila’s claims and investigate whether his tenure at MCIU resulted in any institutional fraud.
While Mr. Kila had previously told PREMIUM TIMES that he was in the process of compiling his documents to refute the claims, the network’s announcement underscores a growing trend of institutional distancing as pressure mounts for full accountability regarding his academic background.
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