Nigeria has lost one of its most distinguished statesmen, Professor Jibril Aminu, a former Minister of Petroleum and Education, renowned academic, diplomat, and past President of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).
Prof. Aminu died on Thursday morning, June 5, 2025, in Abuja after a prolonged illness, according to a family source. He was aged 84.
Funeral prayers for the late professor are scheduled for 2:00 p.m. today at the Abuja National Mosque. His remains will then be flown to Yola, the capital of Adamawa State, and later to his hometown in Song Local Government Area for burial in line with Islamic rites.
Prof. Aminu was a man of many firsts and left a lasting legacy in medicine, education, and public service. Born in Adamawa State, he studied medicine at the University of Ibadan, graduating in 1965 as the best student at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan. He later obtained a PhD in Medicine from the prestigious Royal Postgraduate Medical School in London in 1972.
He began his career as a medical scholar and researcher but later rose to national prominence through various key appointments. Between 1989 and 1992, he served as Nigeria’s Minister of Education before being appointed Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources.
While serving as Petroleum Minister, Prof. Aminu also held the position of President of OPEC in 1991 and chaired the OPEC Conference from 1991 to 1992, during a critical period in global oil politics.
Following his ministerial service, he was appointed Nigeria’s Ambassador to the United States, serving from 1999 to 2003. He later became Senator representing Adamawa Central in the National Assembly from 2003 to 2011, where he continued to contribute to national debates on health, education, and energy policy.
Tributes have been pouring in from across the country, with many describing him as a patriot who served Nigeria with honour and intelligence. A close associate described him as “one of Nigeria’s finest minds and a humble leader who always put national interest above personal gain.”
“Prof. Aminu was not just an academic giant; he was a quiet but effective public servant,” said Dr. Musa Bala, a former colleague. “His work in both the education and petroleum sectors helped shape modern Nigeria.”
The Adamawa State Government is expected to announce further plans for a state burial. National flags are expected to fly at half-mast in honour of his contributions to Nigeria’s development.
Until his death, Prof. Aminu remained a respected voice in Nigerian policy circles and continued to mentor young professionals and leaders.
He is survived by his wife, children, and grandchildren.
