- He brought erudition, brilliance to statecraft, says Tinubu
- Shettima at funeral: Nigeria has lost an intellectual giant
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, governors, and other distinguished Nigerians yesterday paid tributes to a former Education Minister, Prof. Jibril Aminu.
The former minister died in Abuja at the age of 85.
The President praised the elder statesman and academic icon who brought “erudition and brilliance to statecraft” throughout a distinguished life of service to Nigeria.
In a tribute he personally penned yesterday in Abuja, President Tinubu expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Prof. Aminu at the age of 85, describing him as “a respected academic and political leader” whose contributions to both the intellectual and public service spheres of Nigeria remain indelible.
“Prof. Aminu straddled his profession and politics exceptionally, bringing erudition and brilliance to statecraft. “lHe earned many laurels for his grit, hard work, and expertise and left remarkable imprints in the sands of time,” the President said.
A professor of cardiology and one of Nigeria’s most celebrated medical professionals, the late Aminu’s career cut across medicine, academia, diplomacy, and high public office.
President Tinubu described his achievements as “a shining example of the intellectual depth and patriotic commitment required for nation-building”.
The President recounted Aminu’s stellar career in academia, including his service as 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), and Vice Chancellor of the University of Maiduguri (1980–1985).
He also served as a visiting professor at the Howard University College of Medicine in Washington, D.C., from 1979 to 1980.
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Beyond his academic pursuits, Professor Aminu held several strategic national assignments.
He served as Minister of Education and later as Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources between 1989 and 1992.
He was also Nigeria’s Ambassador to the United States from 1999 to 2003 and subsequently represented Adamawa Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly from 2003 to 2011.
Also, Shettima, who arrived at the National Mosque at 1:52 p.m., commiserated with the family of the deceased and prayed Allah to comfort them and make Al-Janna Firdaus the final abode of the late elder statesman.
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Humwashi Wonosikou, Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri said Nigeria greatly benefited from Jibril Aminu’s wisdom, scholarship, and decades of patriotic service.
“Nigeria has lost one of its finest minds, a devoted public servant and a distinguished son of Adamawa,” he said.
Also, Katsina State Governor Dikko Umaru Radda expressed deep shock over the demise of Prof. Aminu.
In a condolence message, the governor said the late Prof. Aminu was an embodiment and the finest qualities of leadership, scholarship, and public service that have long distinguished the people of Northern Nigeria.