President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, and several northern governors have expressed deep sorrow over the passing of former Minister of Education and elder statesman, Professor Jibril Aminu, who died at the age of 85 on Thursday in Abuja after a prolonged illness.
In a personally signed condolence message, President Tinubu described Prof. Aminu as “a true patriot whose legacy in medicine, education, and public service left an indelible mark on Nigeria.”
“Professor Jibril Aminu was not just a professor of cardiology; he was one of Nigeria’s most accomplished medical minds, a statesman of the highest order, and a man of great integrity,” Tinubu wrote.
The President noted that Prof. Aminu’s distinguished career, marked by “grit, hard work, and expertise,” saw him serve in key positions including Minister of Education, Minister of Petroleum Resources, President of OPEC, Nigerian Ambassador to the United States, and Senator for Adamawa Central.
Tinubu extended his condolences to the Aminu family and the people of Adamawa State, describing his death as “a profound national loss.” He prayed for Allah’s forgiveness of his sins and for the late professor to be granted Aljannat Firdaus.
National Figures Pay Respects at Funeral Prayers
Vice President Kashim Shettima led the Janazah (funeral prayers) for the late professor at the National Mosque in Abuja, joining a large gathering of dignitaries.
In a statement issued by his spokesman, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima described Prof. Aminu as “the last of the great titans…an intellectual giant whose contributions to Nigeria’s growth cannot be overstated.”
“He was irreplaceable, and his legacy will continue to inspire generations,” Shettima said, praying for his eternal peace in Aljannatul Firdaus.
Among those present at the funeral were former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, and several former governors and ministers including Murtala Nyako, Danjuma Goje, Tahir Mamman, and Aliyu Idi Hong.
A Life of Distinguished Service
Born in 1939 in Song, Adamawa State, Prof. Aminu’s career spanned medicine, academia, diplomacy, and politics.
- Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC) (1975–1979)
- Vice Chancellor, University of Maiduguri (1980–1985)
- Visiting Professor, Howard University, Washington D.C.
- Minister of Education and later Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources (1989–1992)
- President of OPEC (1991–1992)
- Ambassador to the United States (1999–2003)
- Senator representing Adamawa Central (2003–2011)
He was also a Fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Science and the Royal College of Physicians, London.
Tributes from the North
Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum and Governor of Gombe State, Inuwa Yahaya, described Prof. Aminu as an “icon of intellect and service whose life enriched Nigeria’s academic, diplomatic, and political history.”
“His contributions to national development were profound and enduring. His passing is a major loss not just to Adamawa, but to the entire nation,” Yahaya stated.
On behalf of the Northern Governors’ Forum, he extended condolences and prayed for Allah’s mercy and eternal peace for the late statesman.
Fintiri: “Nigeria Has Lost One of Its Finest Minds”
Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State expressed shock at the news of Aminu’s death, calling him “a towering figure in Nigeria’s intellectual and political life.”
“Professor Aminu was a silent reformer, a rare patriot whose legacy in education, diplomacy, and governance will outlive him,” Fintiri said.
He praised Aminu’s life of service, noting his humility, wisdom, and immense contributions to nation-building. The governor prayed for divine mercy and strength for the bereaved family and all Nigerians mourning his loss.
A Nation in Mourning
As tributes pour in from across the country, the death of Professor Jibril Aminu marks the end of a significant era in Nigerian public service. His contributions to national development, across sectors and decades, continue to stand as a model of dedication, intellect, and patriotic service.
