Nigerians Ridicule President Tinubu’s Claim of Being Classmates and Neighbors with Businessman Alexander Zingman at Chicago State University

 

Chicago State University has become a focal point of online discussions in Nigeria, as netizens have responded with a mix of amusement, sharp mockery, and outright disbelief to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's recent claim that he was both a classmate and neighbor of Belarusian businessman Alexander Zingman during his time at the institution. The president's assertion has ignited a firestorm of reactions across social media platforms, with many Nigerians questioning the credibility of his statement and delving into the details to challenge its accuracy.

Critics have accused President Tinubu of fabricating or misrepresenting the connection, pointing to inconsistencies that undermine his claim. Online investigators, scouring publicly available information, have noted that Alexander Zingman's digital footprint, including professional profiles and biographical details, indicates he attended the University of Illinois, not Chicago State University as Tinubu alleged. This discrepancy has fueled accusations of falsehood, with netizens labeling the president's statement as misleading or entirely untrue.

Further scrutiny has revealed additional inconsistencies that cast doubt on Tinubu's narrative. Records suggest that Zingman, who is currently 57 years old, was enrolled at university between 1991 and 1995. During this period, Tinubu, who was already a prominent political figure in Nigeria, was serving as a senator and residing full-time in the country. This timeline makes it highly improbable for the two men to have crossed paths as classmates or neighbors in an academic setting in the United States.

Adding to the skepticism, netizens have pointed out the significant age difference between the two men as another reason to question Tinubu's claim. At 73 years old, President Tinubu is 16 years older than Zingman, making it unlikely for them to have been university peers, especially given the typical age range of undergraduate students. Social media users have seized on this age gap, with many humorously remarking that it stretches credulity to imagine the two men sharing a classroom or living as neighbors during their supposed time at Chicago State University.

The controversy has sparked a broader conversation about the accuracy of public statements made by political figures, with many Nigerians using the incident to highlight the importance of fact-checking and transparency. The online backlash has ranged from lighthearted memes to pointed critiques, with some calling for the president to clarify or retract his statement. As the debate continues, Chicago State University remains at the center of this unexpected social media storm, driven by a mix of humor, skepticism, and demands for accountability.