…He brought brilliance to statecraft, says Tinubu
…Ex-Minister was man of remarkable intellect, dedication -Atiku
…Professor Aminu was man of uncommon intellect, integrity, service -Northern Govs
..We were so friendly, and he used to call me just Don -Etiebet
By Paul Effiong and Caleb Ishaya
President Bola Tinubu, has said that the elder statesman, Professor Jibril Aminu, straddled his profession and politics exceptionally, bringing erudition and brilliance to statecraft.
AljazirahNigeria reports that Aminu, a two time minister died yesterday at the age of 85.
In this vein, Tinubu, in a press release extended his “condolences to the family and friends of Professor Jibril Muhammad Aminu, a respected academic and political leader.
He recalled that the deceased was a professor of cardiology and one of Nigeria’s most decorated medical professionals.
“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”.
“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”, the president noted.
Tinubu, also extended his condolences to the government and the people of Adamawa State where Aminu hailed from.
Professor Aminu’s passing, he noted “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”.
Similarly, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, described the late academic who served the Nigeria as Minister of Petroleum and Education in the then administration of former Military President, Ibrahim Babangida, as a towering figure in Nigeria’s political, educational, and diplomatic spheres.
Atiku, stated that Aminu, was widely respected for his distinguished career, which spanned several decades and included roles as a senator, minister, and ambassador.
The Turakin Adamawa, in a statement expressed deep sorrow over the passing of the statesman, highlighting his immense contributions to national development and democratic progress.
“Professor Jibril Aminu was a man of remarkable intellect and dedication. His service to Nigeria in various capacities—Minister of Education, Minister of Petroleum, and Ambassador to the United States left an indelible mark on our nation”, he said.
Aminu’s career was defined by impactful public service. He represented Adamawa Central as a Senator from 2003 to 2007 and served as Nigeria’s Ambassador to the United States between 1999 and 2003. His earlier roles included Minister of Education (1989–1990) and Minister of Petroleum (1990–1992).
Beyond politics, he made significant contributions to academia and medicine. Notably, he served as a Visiting Professor of Medicine at Howard University College in Washington, D.C., from 1979 to 1980.
Atiku, who joined other dignitaries at the National Mosque in Abuja for the funeral prayers (Jana’iza), praised the late professor for his integrity and passion for public service, saying “His contributions to medicine, academia, and the growth of democracy in Nigeria are legendary. His demise is a huge loss not only to the country but to humanity”.
The former vice president extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for Professor Aminu’s soul to find eternal rest in Aljannah Firdaus.
Meanwhile, the Northern States Governors’ Forum, NSGF, has expressed deep grief over the death of renowned scholar, elder statesman, and diplomat.
A statement issued by Spokesman to Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, described the late Professor as an iconic figure whose remarkable legacy in public service, diplomacy, and academia will be remembered for generations.
“Professor Aminu was a man of uncommon intellect, integrity, and service. His contributions to Nigeria spanned decades of diligent and patriotic service.
“From his tenure as Vice Chancellor of the University of Maiduguri to his roles as Minister of Education, Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Nigerian Ambassador to the United States, and later, a Senator representing Adamawa Central, he exemplified excellence and commitment to national development”, he stated.
“On behalf of the Northern Governors, I extended heartfelt condolences to the immediate family of the deceased, the government and people of Adamawa State, and all Nigerians mourning the loss of this distinguished statesman”.
The governor prayed Almighty Allah to forgive the shortcomings of the deceased, reward his lifetime of service, and grant him Aljannat Firdaus.
A former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Chief Don Obot Etiebet, also joined dignitaries in mourning the death of Professor Jubril Aminu as saddening.
Etiebet, in a statement said “This is sad, very, very sad indeed. We have lost a gem and an academic icon of international and national repute in medicine who made Nigeria proud.
“This academic guru was a vice chancellor of the University of Maiduguri and an executive secretary of the National University Commission.
“He joined full-time politics when the military administration of General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida appointed him first as minister of education and again as minister Petroleum Resources.
“He was also our Ambassador to the USA and a two-term Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“We were so friendly, and he used to call me just DON, and I called him PROF as we both lived on a street named after him on Parkview Estate, Ikoyi, Lagos.
“Professor Jubril Aminu was an embodiment of Nigerian ethos, humility, and he was an exemplary leader of the northern establishment but very friendly to many in the South both in business and in social circles.
“In 1998 when PDP was formed, he was a founding and an influential member and when the decision was to be made for the Party to cede the presidency to the South as we, southern aspirants, demanded, Professor Jubril Aminu was chosen as the chairman of the northern committee to evaluate the proposal and he came out with that famous agreement for the Southern presidential aspirants to sign on what they would do for the North if the North conceded the presidency to the South.
“He himself was an advocate of ceding the presidency to the South and needed that agreement to convince other members of the committee and northern hawks who were against a southern president.
“He was a good man, a good and dependable Nigerian who preached unity, understanding and togetherness. We shall miss him greatly.
“May his gentle soul rest in peace.
“May God grant his family the grace to bear the irreparable loss with fortitude”.
