Arise News Drops Anthony Kila Over Forged Academic Credentials

Political analyst Anthony Kila has been removed from Arise News Channel's on-air roster following an investigation that exposed false academic qualifications submitted by him. On Tuesday, October 13, 2026, the network's Editorial Board issued a formal statement declaring that his continued participation had become untenable in light of the findings.

Arise News contacted Kila on October 3, 2026, regarding allegations that he had fabricated his complete academic record. Kila sought additional time to formulate a response, according to multiple reports, yet provided none in the ensuing 10 days.

The controversy intensified during this period, leading Arise News to take action. Premium Times Newspapers published an investigation first that uncovered inconsistencies spanning Kila's purported bachelor's degree, master's degree, doctoral qualification, and professorial title.

Prior to the channel's decision to sever ties, Kila had made several appearances on Arise News functioning as a freelance political analyst. This action demonstrates a strengthening commitment by Nigerian media organisations toward validating the qualifications of broadcast contributors, especially those providing political commentary.

The disclaimer issued by the Editorial Board cited the Premium Times investigation as justification for the permanent exclusion. The situation highlights a wider problem concerning how Nigerian broadcasters and media verify credentials.

Kila's inability to submit a defence within the stipulated timeframe, combined with reports indicating that the allegations intensified during that span, appears to have determined the network's course of action. As of when these statements were released, no response from Kila had surfaced in available reports.