Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has strongly questioned President Bola Tinubu’s assertion that Belarusian businessman Alexander Zingman was a schoolmate at Chicago State University (CSU). President Tinubu made the surprising claim during the launch of the renewed hope mechanisation programme in Abuja, where he introduced Zingman as a "very good friend" and "neighbour" from his time at CSU. Tinubu specifically stated, "Alex was my very good neighbour and went to the same school with me in Chicago. Never did we dream that I would be in this position as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and that Alex will be a successful businessman from Belarus to bring about a very successful collaboration and bilateral relationship that would promote economic prosperity for the future of our two countries." He expressed confidence that their university would be proud of this collaboration.

In response, Atiku’s media office issued a statement labeling Tinubu's comment as "highly questionable" on Tuesday. The statement highlighted a significant discrepancy regarding Zingman’s age, noting that Alexander Zingman, whose name is frequently associated with controversial dealings across Africa, including allegations of arms trafficking and financial improprieties in Zimbabwe and the Democratic Republic of Congo, is reported to have been born in 1966. This birth year would mean Zingman was only 13 years old in 1979, the year President Tinubu claims to have graduated from CSU. Atiku’s statement provocatively asked, "Are we now to believe that the Guinness Book of Records missed the story of a 13-year-old Belarusian prodigy graduating from an American university alongside Bola Ahmed Tinubu?"

Beyond the Zingman association, Atiku also reignited concerns over President Tinubu’s broader educational background. He challenged the President to explain how he allegedly presented a certificate dated 1970 from Government College, Lagos—an institution founded in 1972—to gain admission into Richard Daley College in 1973. Atiku further called on the President to publicly unveil verifiable classmates from his purported years at Government College, Lagos, Government College, Ibadan, or Chicago State University, mirroring how other leaders often proudly do. The statement underscored the importance of integrity in the Presidency, urging President Tinubu to provide "proof, clarity, and the simple dignity of facts" to Nigerians.

While Chicago State University has confirmed President Tinubu’s graduation from the institution, public debates persist due to various inconsistencies in the certificate he submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), including disputed details and formatting issues. Reports indicate Tinubu studied at Chicago State University from 1977 to 1979. Further investigation by TheCable revealed that Alexander Zingman was indeed born on November 26, 1966, and reportedly studied business marketing at the University of Illinois from 1991 to 1995. This timeline means Zingman would have been approximately 10 years old when Tinubu was reportedly admitted to CSU, further corroborating the age discrepancy cited by Atiku.

In other significant developments across Nigeria and globally, various events have captured public attention. Global tensions, specifically stemming from military strikes between the U.S. and Iran, prompted the U.S. Embassy to issue a security advisory for Abuja. Despite this, Nigeria’s Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, reassured the public about the capital’s safety. These international incidents also sparked protests in both the U.S. and Nigeria, with Nigerian Shiite groups specifically condemning the U.S. actions. Separately, former U.S. President Donald Trump's declaration of a ceasefire between Israel and Iran was quickly contradicted.

Domestically, President Bola Tinubu launched the Renewed Hope Agricultural Mechanisation Programme. This initiative aims to significantly boost food production and create employment opportunities, with a critical emphasis on securing farmlands from criminal elements. Meanwhile, the educational sector in Abuja faced ongoing challenges as primary school teachers continued a three-month strike, demanding unpaid wages. This prolonged industrial action led to student-led protests, highlighting the severe impact on learning.

Finally, notable individuals received commendation for their contributions. President Tinubu extended congratulations to Dr. Awele Vivien Elumelu on her 55th birthday, acknowledging her significant impact on healthcare. Similarly, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala was honored with the prestigious 2025 Cressey Award, recognizing her tireless efforts in combating fraud.