President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Professor Jibril Muhammad Aminu, a renowned academic, medical expert, and former Nigerian ambassador, who died at the age of 85.
In a heartfelt statement released from the State House on Wednesday, the President described Professor Aminu as “a respected academic and political leader” whose life and service left “remarkable imprints in the sands of time.”
“Professor Aminu epitomised statesmanship and was committed to building a greater Nigeria,” President Tinubu said. “He straddled his profession and politics exceptionally, bringing erudition and brilliance to statecraft.”
A distinguished professor of cardiology, the late Aminu was one of Nigeria’s most decorated medical professionals. His academic career included roles as Consultant in Medicine, Senior Lecturer and Sub-Dean of Clinical Studies at the University of Ibadan (1973–1975), and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Maiduguri (1980–1985). He also served as Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission and was a visiting professor at Howard University in Washington D.C.
His professional honours included fellowships from the Nigerian Academy of Science, the Royal College of Physicians (London), the West African College of Physicians, and the Nigerian Postgraduate Medical College.
Beyond academia, Professor Aminu played a prominent role in public service. He served as Nigeria’s Minister of Education and later Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources between 1989 and 1992. He was appointed Nigeria’s ambassador to the United States from 1999 to 2003, and later served two terms in the Senate representing Adamawa Central from 2003 to 2011.
President Tinubu extended condolences to Professor Aminu’s family, the government and people of Adamawa State, and all Nigerians mourning the elder statesman.
“Professor Aminu’s passing is a profound loss to the nation, but as we grieve, we must find solace in his legacy,” the President said. “May he find eternal rest in Aljana Firdaus. And may Allah forgive his sins.”
Professor Aminu is remembered as a symbol of intellectual excellence and national service whose contributions spanned medicine, education, diplomacy, and politics.
