Abuja, Nigeria — Nigeria mourns the passing of Professor Jibril Aminu, former Minister of Petroleum and Education, who died at the age of 85 on Thursday in Abuja after a prolonged illness.
The announcement was confirmed by family sources, with funeral prayers held at 2:00pm at the Abuja National Mosque, after which his remains were flown to Yola and then to his hometown in Song Local Government Area of Adamawa State for burial.
A distinguished cardiologist, academic, diplomat, and statesman, Prof. Aminu’s public service career spanned over five decades. Born in Adamawa State, he earned his medical degree from the University of Ibadan in 1965, graduating as the best student from the University College Hospital. He went on to earn a PhD in Medicine from the Royal Postgraduate Medical School, London, in 1972.
Prof. Aminu held several key national and international positions, including serving as Minister of Education and later as Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources between 1989 and 1992. During his tenure, he was elected President of the African Petroleum Producers’ Organisation and chaired the OPEC Conference from 1991 to 1992.
In the diplomatic field, he served as Nigeria’s Ambassador to the United States from 1999 to 2003. He also represented Adamawa Central in the Nigerian Senate between 2003 and 2011 and was a delegate to the National Constitutional Conference in 1994.
His contributions to education were equally notable. He was Vice Chancellor of the University of Maiduguri and later served as Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), playing a pivotal role in shaping higher education in Nigeria.
Prof. Jibril Aminu is survived by his wife, children, and grandchildren. His legacy as a devoted public servant and nation-builder continues to inspire.
By Makinde oyinkansola| June 5, 2025
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