Prof. Jibril Aminu, a former Nigerian Minister of Petroleum and Ambassador to the United States, has passed away at the age of 85.
A native of Song Local Government Area in Adamawa State, Prof. Aminu also served as Nigeriaโs Minister of Education, a Senator, and Vice Chancellor of the University of Maiduguri.
Aminu who was a Nigerian professor of cardiology was born in August 1939 into the family of Mr. and Mrs. Aminu. He served as Nigeriaโs Ambassador to the U.S. between 1999 and 2003.
His demise was confirmed and announced by the former Kaduna Central Senator, Shehu Sani.
Senator Shehu Sani noted that during Aminuโs tenure as Minister of Petroleum, he was instrumental in the construction of the Eleme Refinery and many of the countryโs petroleum depots.
Aminu represented Adamawa Central in the Nigerian Senate from 2003 to 2011. He held the positions of Minister of Education and later Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources between 1989 and 1992.
He earned an M.B.B.S. from the University of Ibadan in 1965 and went on to obtain a PhD in Medicine from the Royal Post-Graduate Medical School in London in 1972.
He also served as the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Maiduguri from 1980 to 1985 and was the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission from 1975 to 1979.
Senator Shehu Sani noted thus:
โHe decentralised and reformed the NNPC. Since he left office, none has been added.
โAs education minister, he established the Nomadic Education Commission and established the School for the Gifted Children among other reforms in Education.
โHe served as the VC of Unimaid and headed the NUC in the 70s. He represented Adamawa in the Senate twice.
โHe was the best medical student at the UCH Ibadan in the 60s, a rare feat for a northerner at that time. The Nation has lost one of its greatest Intellectuals and visionary leaders.
โMay Allah grant him Aljanna firdausi, Aminโ.
May God grant the deceased eternal rest, and his family fortitude to bear the loss.
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