The decision followed an investigative report by Premium Times that questioned Kila’s claimed academic qualifications. ARISE News said it contacted the analyst for clarification after becoming aware of the allegations but had yet to receive his response 10 days later.
In a disclaimer titled “Investigation: Anthony Kila’s ‘Degrees’,” the news network said it had contacted Kila on October 3, 2026, to present the allegations and give him an opportunity to respond.
According to the network, Kila requested additional time to address the claims but had not responded as of the date of its announcement.
“ARISE News wishes to advise that Anthony Kila, who has appeared several times on this network as a freelance political analyst and has been the subject of a damning investigative report by Premium Times Newspapers, will no longer appear on the ARISE News Channel,” the statement said.
The network added that the allegations had continued to escalate during the period it was awaiting his response.
“In the circumstances, we find that his contributions to The ARISE News Channel is no longer tenable,” ARISE News stated.
The organisation stressed that it had not been aware of the allegations when Kila previously appeared on its programmes, adding that it regarded credibility and integrity as essential standards in its editorial operations.
“ARISE News was unaware of these allegations at the time Anthony Kila appeared on our platform as we take matters of credibility and integrity extremely seriously,” the statement added.
The network said its decision was informed by the findings reported by Premium Times and confirmed that the exclusion would take immediate effect.
“We have noted the findings of the Premium Times investigation and Mr Kila will not be appearing on our networks at any time now or in future, effective immediately,” the statement said.
The disclaimer was signed by the ARISE News Editorial Board.
Kila, who has featured on ARISE News as a freelance political analyst, has contributed to discussions on Nigerian politics, leadership, governance and foreign policy.
The controversy has drawn attention to the importance of verifying academic qualifications, particularly for individuals who occupy prominent positions in public discourse and are introduced to audiences on the basis of their professional and academic credentials.
However, the allegations concerning Kila’s qualifications should be distinguished from any final determination of wrongdoing. ARISE News’ announcement establishes the network’s decision to discontinue his appearances, while the claims about his academic credentials remain allegations reported by Premium Times.
The development comes amid wider public debate over the verification of academic titles and qualifications in Nigeria, where questions about the credentials of public figures can have implications for professional credibility and public trust.
