A 1978 Sacramento Union newspaper article has resurfaced, reportedly confirming the name President Bola Tinubu used while studying at Chicago State University, and revealing his early economic vision for Nigeria
Resurfaced 1978 U.S. Newspaper Reportedly Confirms Bola Tinubu’s Name and Ambitions as Chicago State University Student
A 1978 newspaper article from The Sacramento Union has resurfaced online, allegedly confirming the name President Bola Tinubu used during his time as a student at Chicago State University (CSU).
The publication, dated Sunday, June 18, 1978, was shared in October by Nigerian journalist Tolu Ogunlesi, who posted a photo of the old newspaper on X (formerly Twitter), calling attention to its “historical significance.”
“See what I came across, in The Sacramento Union newspaper of Sunday, June 18, 1978,” Ogunlesi wrote. “Story’s about 12 black students of Chicago State University being given an introduction to the historically all-white business of racing—a milestone move in 1970s America.”
Chicago State Students Break Barriers in U.S. Racing Industry
The article, originally written by Sharon Kornegay for the Chicago Sun-Times, detailed a groundbreaking diversity initiative that saw twelve black students from Chicago State University, including Bola Tinubu, attend a 30-hour seminar at Maywood Park racetrack.
The program was sponsored by the Associates Racing Association (ARA), a black-owned racing organisation seeking to introduce minority students to the management and business side of horse racing, an industry then dominated by white professionals.
“Racing is a lucrative business, but it has been a closed club that only lets certain people in,” said John Swain, a partner in ARA. “This seminar was designed to open the door for young black students to see what really happens behind the scenes.”
Tinubu’s Early Economic Vision for Africa
Among the students quoted in the report was Bola Tinubu, identified as a Nigerian student at Chicago State University. His remarks reflected an early interest in economic development and job creation for Africa.
“Bola Tinubu, a student 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 article read.
The rediscovered quote has attracted public interest for its potential to validate Tinubu’s academic history and highlight his early ambition to reform Nigeria’s economy — a theme that continues to define his political and leadership trajectory.
Historical Significance
The 1978 racetrack seminar marked a pivotal moment in U.S. history, as African-American students gained access to an industry previously closed to them.
Another participant, Larry Brown, expressed optimism about the opportunities the programme could create: “Because of the shortage of minorities and our orientation to the operation of 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 expressed strong interest in pursuing business ventures in racing upon graduation.
Fact-Check Context
While the 1978 article’s authenticity has not been formally disputed, discussions continue online regarding its verification and provenance. Some commentators have urged that the original print copy or library archive record be independently sourced to confirm all details.
Nonetheless, the clipping shared by Tolu Ogunlesi aligns with the June 18, 1978 issue of The Sacramento Union and the byline of Sharon Kornegay, lending historical weight to the document. Researchers and fact-checkers are reportedly reviewing U.S. library archives to determine its full context and publication authenticity.
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