President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has described the death of former Minister and academic, Professor Jibril Muhammad Aminu, as a “profound loss to the nation.” The President made this known in a condolence message released by the State House on Thursday, following the passing of the respected elder statesman at the age of 85.
In the statement, President Tinubu praised Aminu as a man of great intellect, dedication, and patriotism, who served Nigeria selflessly across multiple sectors including education, health, diplomacy, and politics.
“Professor Aminu epitomised statesmanship and was committed to building a greater Nigeria. As we grieve, we must find solace in his legacy. He left remarkable imprints in the sands of time,” the President said.
The President extended his condolences to Aminu’s family, friends, colleagues, and the people of Adamawa State. He prayed that Allah would forgive his sins and grant him eternal rest in Aljana Firdaus.
Born in Adamawa State, Professor Aminu was a highly respected medical doctor and scholar, known for his contributions to the development of Nigeria’s education and health sectors.
A trained cardiologist, he held fellowships from top professional bodies such as the Nigerian Academy of Science, the Royal College of Physicians in London, the West African College of Physicians, and the Nigerian Postgraduate Medical College.
His academic journey began at the University of Ibadan Medical School, where between 1973 and 1975, he served as Consultant in Medicine, Senior Lecturer, and Sub-Dean of Clinical Studies. In 1975, he was appointed Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), where he played a vital role in shaping university education in Nigeria.
He later served as a Visiting Professor at Howard University College of Medicine in Washington, D.C., before returning home to become Vice-Chancellor of the University of Maiduguri from 1980 to 1985.
Professor Aminu’s influence extended beyond the classroom into the corridors of power. Between 1989 and 1992, he served as Minister of Education and then as Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources. During his time as Petroleum Minister, he chaired the African Petroleum Producers’ Organisation and led the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) Conference between 1991 and 1992 — a period when Nigeria played a central role in global oil discussions.
His political journey continued as a delegate to the 1994-1995 National Constitutional Conference. In 1999, he was appointed Nigeria’s Ambassador to the United States, where he served until 2003. He was later elected to the Nigerian Senate, representing Adamawa Central for two terms from 2003 to 2011.
President Tinubu described Professor Aminu as a rare breed who successfully combined academic brilliance with public leadership.
“Professor Aminu straddled his profession and politics exceptionally, bringing erudition and brilliance to statecraft,” the President said. “In his professional life, he earned many laurels for his grit, hard work, and expertise.”
Many Nigerians also took to social media to mourn the passing of the scholar-politician, recalling his humility, intelligence, and lifelong commitment to national progress.