1978 Newspaper Allegedly Confirms Name Tinubu Used at Chicago State University

A 1978 newspaper reportedly reveals the name Bola Ahmed Tinubu allegedly used while attending Chicago State University.

A 1978 newspaper article has resurfaced online, reportedly confirming the name President Bola Ahmed Tinubu used during his studies at Chicago State University (CSU).

The archival piece, originally published in The Sacramento Union on Sunday, June 18, 1978, was recently shared by Nigerian journalist Tolu Ogunlesi, who posted an image of the newspaper on X (formerly Twitter) and highlighted its historical relevance.

“See what I came across, in The Sacramento Union newspaper of Sunday, June 18, 1978,” Ogunlesi wrote. “The story’s about 12 black students from Chicago State University being introduced to the historically all-white racing business—a milestone in 1970s America.”

Tinubu Featured Among 12 Black Students in U.S. Racing Diversity Initiative

The article—written by Sharon Kornegay for the Chicago Sun-Times—covered an initiative in which twelve black students from CSU spent over 30 hours at Maywood Park Racetrack in Illinois.

The program, sponsored by the Associates Racing Association (ARA), a black-owned organization, was designed to introduce minority students to the management and business aspects of horse racing—then a field largely closed to African Americans.

“Racing is a lucrative business, but it’s been a closed club that only lets certain people in,” said John Swain, an ARA partner. He explained that the seminar aimed to expose students to an industry with few minority participants.

Tinubu’s Remarks on Nigeria’s Economic Growth

Among those quoted in the report was Bola Tinubu, identified as a Nigerian student at CSU. His statement reflected his interest in economic reform and development for Africa.

“BOLA TINUBU, a student [of Chicago State University] from Nigeria, said he expects to take his findings back to African businessmen as a plan for his country to make more money and create jobs for the unemployed.”

The rediscovered quote has drawn attention for its potential to verify Tinubu’s academic history and provide insight into his early ambitions for Nigeria’s economic growth.

Historical Context

The 1978 initiative represented a milestone for diversity in American horse racing. Another student, Larry Brown, expressed optimism about their pioneering role:

“Because of the shortage of minorities and our orientation to the racing business, we have the chance to be the first set of black businessmen in the field.”

ARA also provided stipends to participants, who reportedly showed enthusiasm about entering the racing industry after graduation.

The resurfacing of this newspaper clipping offers a rare glimpse into Bola Tinubu’s formative years in the United States and adds new context to ongoing discussions about his educational background and early career aspirations.

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SOURCES: ALLSCHOOL, LEGIT