Amanze ChinonyePresident Tinubu’s recent remarks during a public function in Abuja have reignited controversy over his academic credentials, drawing sharp criticism and birthing a new political metaphor, “Afó’kéèmù”, a Yoruba phrase symbolizing a mistake too significant to forget.
At the official commissioning of 2,000 tractors for nationwide distribution on June 23, Tinubu introduced Belarusian businessman Alexander Zingman as a “former schoolmate and neighbor” from his days at Chicago State University (CSU).
Join our WhatsApp Channel“Alex was my very good neighbor and schoolmate in Chicago. Never did we dream that I would become President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Alex, a successful businessman from Belarus, working together to promote the prosperity of our two countries,” Tinubu said.
However, the claim swiftly unraveled under public scrutiny. A fact-check by TheCable revealed that Zingman attended the University of Illinois, Chicago (UIC), not CSU, between 1991 and 1995, more than a decade after Tinubu is said to have graduated from CSU in 1979.
Born in Minsk in 1966, Zingman would have been just 13 years old in 1979, the year Tinubu claims he earned his degree from CSU. The discrepancy cast serious doubt over Tinubu’s statement and rekindled longstanding questions surrounding the authenticity of his academic records.
The ‘Afo’kéèmù’ Analogy
The president’s comments quickly sparked public backlash and online derision, with many tagging the moment “Afó’kéèmù” a Yoruba metaphor for a grave, unforgettable error akin to breaking a communal water dipper.
Critics React
Lagos-based political analyst Dr. Chioma Nwokedi described the moment as “ill-timed and avoidable.”
“When a nation is still demanding clarity on a president’s credentials, bringing forward a figure with no verifiable academic link to him is reckless and only reinforces public suspicion,” she said.
In Washington, D.C., Nigerian-American constitutional lawyer Professor Marcus Ajiboye warned that this latest misstep could deepen Tinubu’s legal and political woes.
“Should the U.S. courts rule that his CSU certificate was obtained through forgery, it opens the door to constitutional challenges in Nigeria, and that can’t be brushed aside.”
Legal Storm Brewing
The controversy comes amid reports that U.S.-based Options Law Group, P.C., is filing a mandamus suit to compel CSU to revoke Tinubu’s certificate. The suit alleges that the president’s credentials were submitted using forged documents a claim that, if upheld in court, could have far-reaching implications.
While CSU has confirmed Tinubu’s graduation, it has stopped short of validating the exact certificate he submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), fueling a debate that continues to cast shadows over the presidency.
Zingman’s Controversial Profile
Zingman himself is no stranger to controversy. Known to have close ties with Belarusian President Lukashenko, he has faced scrutiny for opaque business dealings across Africa and the Middle East. In 2021, his name surfaced in the Pandora Papers, linking him to offshore accounts tied to a gold deal in Zimbabwe.
Questions are now being raised over the Nigerian government’s choice of contractor for the tractor supply deal. Zingman’s company, reportedly behind the multimillion-dollar contract, secured the deal shortly after Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, visited Belarus in 2023.
When a Gaffe Becomes a Metaphor
Tinubu’s attempt to validate his academic record with a symbolic gesture has instead solidified public doubt. What was meant to be a reassuring moment has become a cultural and political meme, the president’s “Afó’kéèmù” moment.
Observers say the incident may mark a turning point in how Nigerians interpret the president’s handling of transparency, truth, and trust in public office.
Amanze Chinonye is a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria. With a unique voice that blends tradition with modernity, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday Nigerian life, from the bustling markets of Lagos to the quiet villages of the countryside. With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
