The media team of former Nigerian Vice President Atiku Abubakar has refuted President Bola Tinubu’s claim that Belarusian businessman Alexander Zingman was his classmate at Chicago State University (CSU), casting doubt on the credibility of the president’s assertion.
Tinubu made the claim on Monday during the launch of the Renewed Hope mechanisation programme in Abuja. In his address, he referred to Zingman as a “very good friend” and “neighbour” from his university days.
“To all of you, Alex was my very good neighbour and went to the same school with me in Chicago,” Tinubu said.
“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, a statement released on Tuesday by Atiku’s media office through Paul Ibe, described Tinubu’s comment as “highly questionable”, arguing that Zingman would have been too young to attend university at the time Tinubu claims to have graduated.
Atiku also questioned Tinubu’s association with Zingman, citing numerous international media reports that have linked the Belarusian businessman to illicit activities in Africa’s mining and arms sectors.
“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 said.
“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?”
The former vice president’s team also raised questions about Tinubu’s academic history, particularly the certificate he allegedly submitted to gain admission into Richard Daley College in 1973.
Atiku’s team noted that Tinubu presented a certificate from Government College, Lagos, dated 1970, even though the school was founded in 1972.
“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 said.
“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.”
Although CSU has confirmed Tinubu’s graduation from the university, controversies persist over the authenticity of the certificate he submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
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