President Bola Tinubu on Thursday paid tribute to Prof. Jibril Aminu, a respected academic and political leader, who died at the age of 85.
Tinubu, who extended his condolences to the government and the people of Adamawa, described Aminu’s death as a profound loss to the nation.
In the tribute, Tinubu stated that the late professor left remarkable imprints in the sands of time: “May he find eternal rest in Aljana Firdaus. And may Allah forgive his sins.”
The President said Aminu, a professor of cardiology, was one of Nigeria’s most decorated medical professionals who 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).
Aminu was 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).
He 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).
“He epitomised statesmanship and was committed to building a greater Nigeria,” Tinubu wrote.
Jibril Aminu’s death monumental loss – Fintiri
Meanwhile, Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State said on Thursday that late Sen. Jibril Aminu, a former Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, was one of Nigeria’s most illustrious elder statesmen.
He said this in a statement issued by Mr Humwashi Wonosikou, his Chief Press Secretary, in Yola.
Aminu died on Thursday in Abuja, at the age of 85.
Fintiri described the late Aminu as “a towering figure in Nigeria’s intellectual and political landscape”.
He said the loss was monumental, not only for the State but for the entire nation, which greatly benefited from his wisdom, scholarship, and decades of patriotic service.
“Professor Aminu served Nigeria with rare distinction in a range of national assignments, including as Minister of Education, Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources Nigerian Ambassador to the United States, and Senator representing Adamawa Central.
“In each of these capacities, he embodied dignity, insight, and an unwavering commitment to national development.
“Nigeria has lost one of its finest minds, a devoted public servant and a distinguished son of Adamawa.
“Prof. Aminu was a rare breed of patriot and a silent reformer whose legacy spans education, diplomacy, and politics”, he stated.
According to him, his life’s work is an enduring gift to the nation, and his humility and wisdom will be sorely missed.
The governor prayed that Almighty Allah forgives his shortcomings and grants him eternal rest in Aljannatul Firdaus.
He extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, friends, and all Nigerians who were touched by Professor Aminu’s extraordinary life.
“Though his passing leaves a void, his legacy remains a guiding light for generations to come. May his soul find peace in the mercy of Allah,” Fintiri said.