‘Alex was 13 when you graduated’ — Atiku faults Tinubu’s claim on Chicago varsity friend

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has faulted President Bola Tinubu’s claim that Belarusian businessman, Alexander Zingman, was his schoolmate at Chicago State University (CSU).

Tinubu made the remark on Monday during the launch of the renewed hope mechanisation programme in Abuja, where he referred to Zingman as a “very good friend” and “neighbour” during his time at CSU.

“My dear very good friend, the story must be clear here. Alex Zingman, how are you? Thank you and congratulations,” he said.

“To all of you, Alex was my very good neighbour and went to the same school with me in Chicago.

“Never did we dream that I would be in this position as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and that Alex will be a successful businessman from Belarus to bring about a very successful collaboration and bilateral relationship that would promote economic prosperity for the future of our two countries.

“I believe our university will be very proud that we are doing this here today.”

However, in a statement issued Tuesday, Atiku’s media office described Tinubu’s comment as “highly questionable”, pointing out that Zingman would have been too young to attend university at the time Tinubu claimed to have studied there.

Atiku also raised fresh concerns over Tinubu’s association with Zingman, citing multiple international media reports linking the businessman to questionable transactions in Africa’s mining sector and arms trade.

“Mr. Alex Zingman, a Belarusian businessman whose name features prominently in controversial dealings across Africa — including allegations of arms trafficking and financial improprieties in Zimbabwe and the Democratic Republic of Congo — is listed in various reports as being born in 1966,” the statement reads.

“By the year 1979, when President Tinubu claims to have graduated from CSU, Mr. Zingman would have been only 13 years old.

“Are we now to believe that the Guinness Book of Records missed the story of a 13-year-old Belarusian prodigy graduating from an American university alongside Bola Ahmed Tinubu?”

Atiku also challenged the president to explain how he reportedly presented a certificate dated 1970 from Government College, Lagos, an institution founded in 1972, to gain admission into Richard Daley College in 1973.

“Mr. President, Nigerians deserve to know why you have not proudly unveiled a single verifiable classmate from your supposed years in Government College, Lagos or Government College, Ibadan or Chicago State University, the way other leaders do with ease and pride,” the statement reads.

“President, your oath of office binds you not just to protect our nation but to honour its truth. The Presidency is not a sanctuary for secrets — it is a platform for integrity. And as such, Nigerians await not tales of Alexes from distant lands but proof, clarity, and the simple dignity of facts.”

BACKGROUND

Although CSU has confirmed that Tinubu graduated from the institution, inconsistencies in the certificate submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), including disputed details and formatting issues, have continued to fuel public debates.

Tinubu is reported to have studied at the Chicago State University from 1977 to 1979.

During checks, TheCable found an article stating that Alexander Zingman was born on November 26, 1966.

Although Tinubu did not state that he and Zingman attended university at the same time, the businessman would have been about 10-years-old by the time Tinubu was admitted into the university.

The article also said the businessman studied business marketing at the University of Illinois from 1991 to 1995.