Tinubu's Claim of Chicago Classmate Sparks Controversy Amid Age Discrepancy President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's recent introduction of Alex Zingman, a Belarusian businessman, as a former Chicago State University (CSU) classmate has ignited a fresh wave of scrutiny regarding the President's academic history. The controversy stems from a significant age discrepancy, with records indicating Zingman was born in 1966, while Tinubu claims to have graduated from CSU in 1979.

The Public Introduction and Subsequent Scrutiny During the launch of the Renewed Hope Agriculture Mechanisation Programme in Abuja on Monday, June 23, President Tinubu publicly identified Zingman, stating, "To all of you, Alex was my very good neighbor, and went to the same school with me in Chicago. Never did we dream that I would be in this position as President of Nigeria and Alex, a successful businessman from Belarus." This seemingly innocuous introduction quickly drew attention, particularly after online investigations identified the individual as Alex Zingman, a Belarusian national with alleged ties to controversial arms deals and financial activities across Africa. The revelation of Zingman's birth year further fueled the controversy.

Age Discrepancy Raises Questions The core of the controversy lies in the timeline. If Zingman was born in 1966, he would have been approximately 13 years old in 1979, the year Tinubu claims to have graduated from Chicago State University. This discrepancy has led many to question the veracity of the President's claim that Zingman was a classmate. "The age difference is simply too significant to ignore," stated Dr. Adebayo Williams, a political analyst at the University of Lagos. "It strains credulity to believe they were classmates. This incident further erodes public trust and demands a transparent explanation."

Opposition Reacts: Calls for Transparency The camp of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who has previously challenged Tinubu's academic qualifications in court, has seized upon the incident. In a strongly worded statement, Atiku's media office described the President's comments as "deeply troubling" and accused him of dodging the truth regarding his academic past. "Rather than evoke confidence, the claim has triggered more questions than answers," the statement read, further questioning why no classmates from Government College, Lagos, which Tinubu claims to have attended before Richard Daley College, have come forward. The statement concluded, "Nigerians await not tales of Alexes from distant lands but proof, clarity, and the simple dignity of facts."

Historical Context: Lingering Questions About Tinubu's Education The current controversy is not isolated. Questions surrounding President Tinubu's educational background have persisted for years. Previous legal challenges and public debates have centered on the authenticity of his submitted credentials and the details of his attendance at various educational institutions, including Chicago State University. According to Barrister Chioma Okeke, a legal expert specializing in constitutional law, "The persistent questions surrounding President Tinubu's academic records highlight the importance of transparency and accountability in public office. While everyone is presumed innocent until proven guilty, the onus is on the President to address these concerns and provide conclusive evidence to dispel any doubts."

The Presidency's Silence As of the time of this report, the presidency has yet to issue an official statement or clarification regarding the controversy surrounding Alex Zingman and the President's claims about their shared educational history. This silence has further fueled speculation and intensified the calls for transparency. The lack of response from the presidency contrasts sharply with the swift and decisive manner in which the administration has addressed other issues. The continued silence risks further damaging public trust and could potentially embolden further legal challenges regarding the President's eligibility for office.

Looking Ahead The controversy surrounding President Tinubu's claimed classmate and the associated age discrepancy is unlikely to dissipate without a clear and convincing response from the presidency. The incident has not only reignited old questions about his academic history but has also raised new concerns about transparency and accountability within the current administration. The coming days and weeks will be crucial in determining how this situation unfolds and what impact it will have on President Tinubu's standing both domestically and internationally.