Former Minister of Education, Prof. Jibril Aminu, died on Wednesday in Abuja after a prolonged illness. He was 85 years old.
The Professor of Cardiology and respected heart specialist, he was also a Senator in the fifth and sixth sessions (2003 to 2011), representing Adamawa Central district.
In condolence message on Thursday, President Bola Tinubu said of Nigeria’s former Ambassador to the United States (1999 to 2003): ‘He straddled his profession and politics exceptionally, bringing erudition and brilliance to statecraft’.
Aminu got his first medical degree from the University of Ibadan in 1965.
He later earned a PhD in Medicine from the Royal Post-Graduate Medical School in London in 1972.
Describing Aminu as ‘a respected academic and political leader’, and ‘one of Nigeria’s most decorated medical professionals’, the President said: ‘(Aminu) straddled his profession and politics exceptionally, bringing erudition and brilliance to statecraft.
‘In his professional life, he earned many laurels for his grit, hard work, and expertise. He was a fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Science, a fellow of the Royal College of Physicians, London, a fellow of the West African College of Physicians, and a fellow of the Nigerian Postgraduate Medical College.
‘He was also a consultant in medicine, Senior Lecturer and Sub-Dean of clinical Studies at the University of Ibadan Medical School (1973–1975), Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (1975–1979), visiting Professor of Medicine at Howard University College of Medicine in Washington DC (1979–1980), and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Maiduguri (1980–1985).
‘Professor Aminu served meritoriously in public service as Nigeria’s ambassador to the United States from 1999 to 2003 and as senator representing Adamawa Central Senatorial District from 2003 to 2011. He also served as Minister of Education and then Petroleum and Mineral Resources (1989–1992).
‘Professor Aminu epitomised statesmanship and was committed to building a greater Nigeria.
‘I also extend my condolences to the government and the people of Adamawa State.
‘Professor Aminu’s passing is a profound loss to the nation, but as we grieve, we must find solace in his legacy. He left remarkable imprints in the sands of time.
‘May he find eternal rest in Aljana Firdaus. And may Allah forgive his sins’.
Aminh is survived by two wives and nine children.
