Tinubu identifies former Chicago coursemate at Abuja event

President Bola Tinubu on Monday publicly acknowledged a former classmate from his time at Chicago State University (CSU) during the launch of the Renewed Hope Agriculture Mechanisation Program in Abuja

Speaking at the event, which featured the rollout of 2,000 tractors and 9,000 specialised farming tools aimed at revitalising Nigeria’s agricultural sector, Tinubu pointed to a man in the crowd and introduced him as an old acquaintance from his university years in the United States.

“To all of you, Alex was my very good neighbor and we went to the same school in Chicago. Never did we imagine that I’d be President of Nigeria and Alex a successful businessman from Belarus,” the president said, as the man, identified simply as Alex, stood and acknowledged the mention.

The moment has sparked renewed public interest, especially in light of the long-standing controversy surrounding Tinubu’s academic records. His educational background, particularly his attendance at and graduation from CSU, came under intense scrutiny during the 2023 presidential election.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Tinubu’s main challenger, filed a legal request in a U.S. court for CSU to release Tinubu’s academic documents. While the university confirmed his graduation, concerns persisted over discrepancies in the certificate submitted to Nigeria’s electoral body, INEC.

Tinubu’s reference to a former classmate is being viewed by some observers as a subtle effort to reinforce the credibility of his academic history amid ongoing public doubt.

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