Tinubu Identifies Former Chicago State University Classmate at Abuja Event Amid Ongoing Certificate Scrutiny

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

While addressing guests at the event—which saw the unveiling of 2,000 tractors and 9,000 specialized farming tools aimed at boosting Nigeria’s agricultural sector—Tinubu pointed to a man in the audience and introduced him as a long-time acquaintance from his university days 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,” Tinubu said, as the man, identified simply as Alex, stood up and acknowledged the introduction.

The president’s brief remark has drawn renewed attention due to ongoing public interest in his academic history. Tinubu’s educational credentials—specifically his attendance and graduation from CSU—have faced scrutiny, particularly during and after the 2023 presidential election.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, one of Tinubu’s main opponents in the race, filed a legal petition in a U.S. court seeking official records from CSU. Although the university confirmed that Tinubu graduated, questions lingered over inconsistencies linked to the certificate he submitted to Nigeria’s electoral body, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The president’s public mention of a former classmate is seen by some as an informal attempt to reinforce the legitimacy of his CSU background amid lingering doubts.