Professor Jibril Aminu, former minister, diplomat, scholar, dies at 85

DDM News

Nigeria has lost a prominent statesman, Professor Jibril Aminu, a renowned medical scholar, politician, and diplomat.

He died at the age of 85 on Thursday in Abuja after a prolonged illness, Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathers.

Professor Aminu had an illustrious career spanning medicine, education, diplomacy, and national politics.

He was born in August 1939 in Adamawa State and rose to national prominence through dedicated public service.

He studied medicine at the University of Ibadan and later furthered his education at the University of London.

His expertise in internal medicine earned him recognition in academic and medical communities across Nigeria.

He became a professor of medicine and contributed significantly to medical education in Nigerian universities.

From 1985 to 1989, he served as Minister of Education under General Ibrahim Babangida’s military regime.

During his tenure, he implemented reforms aimed at improving access and quality in the education sector.

He later served as Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources from 1989 to 1992.

In that role, he managed Nigeria’s vital oil sector during a critical period in the country’s development.

His leadership influenced petroleum policy reforms and shaped the nation’s energy strategy.

In 1999, President Olusegun Obasanjo appointed him as Nigeria’s Ambassador to the United States.

He served in that position until 2003, enhancing Nigeria’s global image and diplomatic relations.

His tenure was marked by strategic diplomacy and effective engagement with the U.S. government.

In 2003, he won a Senate seat representing Adamawa Central Senatorial District under the Peoples Democratic Party.

He served two terms, from 2003 to 2011, and chaired the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs.

He played a key role in foreign policy discussions, national development, and legislative affairs.

Colleagues described him as intelligent, calm, principled, and widely respected across party lines.

He was a founding member of the Peoples Democratic Party and influenced its early policy direction.

His political career was marked by discipline, integrity, and a commitment to national progress.

Outside politics, he served as Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC).

At the NUC, he championed educational reforms and enforced standards in Nigerian tertiary institutions.

He was a fellow of the Nigerian Medical Association and the West African College of Physicians.

Professor Aminu also published scholarly work and mentored many young professionals in academia and politics.

Tributes have poured in nationwide and internationally following the announcement of his death.

A former Senate colleague described him as “a man of wisdom, humility, and unmatched national service.”

His passing is a great loss to Nigeria’s intellectual, political, and diplomatic communities.

He is survived by his wife, children, and grandchildren, who carry forward his legacy.

Funeral arrangements will be announced by the family in due course.

Kindly share!!

For Diaspora Digital Media Updates click on Whatsapp, or Telegram. For eyewitness accounts/ reports/ articles, write to: citizenreports@diasporadigitalmedia.com. Follow us on X (Fomerly Twitter) or Facebook