Professor Jibril Aminu, a respected Nigerian scholar, seasoned diplomat, renowned cardiologist, and statesman, has sadly passed away at the age of 85 following a prolonged illness.
His death was confirmed on Wednesday in Abuja, marking the end of an extraordinary life that left a significant impact on Nigeria's political, academic, and medical landscapes.
Born in 1939, Professor Aminu was a man of great intellect and wide-ranging expertise. He obtained his foundational medical degree from the University of Ibadan in 1965 and proceeded to earn a PhD in Medicine from the Royal Post-Graduate Medical School in London in 1972, becoming one of Nigeria’s most respected voices in the field of cardiology.
Over the years, he held numerous critical positions in both academia and government. His roles included serving as the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), where he made substantial contributions to educational reforms, and as Federal Minister of Education, where he championed access and development in the education sector.
He was later appointed Federal Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources in the late 1980s, where he contributed to strategic policymaking in Nigeria’s vital oil industry.
One of the pinnacle achievements in his public service career was his tenure as Nigeria’s Ambassador to the United States from 1999 to 2003. This period was crucial as Nigeria transitioned into a new democratic era, and Professor Aminu played a pivotal role in strengthening diplomatic relations between Nigeria and the United States.
Following his diplomatic career, he represented the Adamawa Central Senatorial District in the Nigerian Senate from 2003 to 2011. Throughout his time in the Senate, he was widely respected for his intellect, calm disposition, and insightful contributions to national discourse.
Beyond politics and medicine, Professor Aminu was admired for his leadership qualities, humility, and unwavering dedication to public service. His contributions to national development earned him accolades across multiple sectors.
He is survived by his two wives and nine children, who carry on his legacy of excellence and service to the nation.