Investigations quickly linked the man to, a Belarusian national allegedly involved in controversial arms deals and financial activities across Africa.

More troubling, records show Zingman was born in 1966, a timeline that contradicts Tinubu’s claim of graduating from in 1979. If Zingman were his classmate, he would have been only 13 years old at the time.

The development has reignited doubts about Tinubu’s long-contested academic history. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s camp reacted sharply on Tuesday, calling the president’s comments “deeply troubling.”

“Rather than evoke confidence, the claim has triggered more questions than answers,” Atiku’s media office said, describing Zingman as a “man whose international reputation is mired in scandal.”

In a strongly worded statement, Atiku’s camp framed the president’s remarks as part of a troubling pattern of

“Mr. President, Nigerians deserve to know why, since you claim to have presented a certificate from Government College, Lagos to gain entry into Richard Daley College in 1973, no classmate from that institution has ever spoken of sharing a desk with you,” the statement read.

It added, “The Presidency is not a sanctuary for secrets, it is a platform for integrity… Nigerians await not tales of Alexes from distant lands but proof, clarity, and the simple dignity of facts.”

As the controversy grows, the presidency has yet to issue an official clarification.