End of an era: Life and times of Prof. Jibril Aminu

A former Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Senator Jibril Aminu, died yesterday at 85 after a protracted illness.

He was later buried in his hometown of Song in Adamawa State after the funeral prayer held at the National Mosque, Abuja,

The life of the elder statesman, renowned cardiologist, academic, politician and diplomat, was believed to be synonymous with service, reforms and principled leadership. 

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The Late Aminu, who was also a former Minister of Education, celebrated his 85th birthday on August 25, 2024.

Born in Song, Adamawa State, in 1939, Aminu’s early life hinted at the intellectual giant he would become. 

He embarked on a rigorous academic path that saw him emerge as a distinguished consultant cardiologist, a field where he rapidly gained recognition as one of Nigeria’s most celebrated medical professionals. 

His medical training at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, in the 1960s, was legendary.

His brilliance in Medicine earned him a multitude of prestigious academic and professional accolades, signaling his deep commitment to scholarship. 

He was a fellow of several institutions, including the Nigerian Academy of Science; the Royal College of Physicians, London; the West African College of Physicians and the Nigerian Postgraduate Medical College. 

These distinctions were not mere titles but reflections of his relentless dedication to pushing the boundaries of medical knowledge and practice in Nigeria and beyond. 

After his early consulting roles, he honed his teaching skills as a senior lecturer and sub-dean of Clinical Studies at the University of Ibadan Medical School from 1973 to 1975, mentoring a new generation of medical professionals.

Aminu’s transition from clinical practice to educational administration marked a pivotal shift, where his organisational acumen and reformist zeal truly shone.

From 1975 to 1979, Aminu served as the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC) where he was instrumental to shaping the architecture of higher education in Nigeria. 

His tenure at the NUC was noted for efforts towards standardising academic programmes, enhancing research capabilities and laying the groundwork for a more robust university system capable of meeting national development needs. 

He was a champion of quality, striving to ensure that Nigerian universities could compete globally.

Aminu served as a visiting professor of Medicine at Howard University College of Medicine in Washington D.C. from 1979 to 1980, broadening his global perspective on education and healthcare systems. 

Upon his return to Nigeria, he assumed the demanding role of Vice Chancellor of the University of Maiduguri from 1980 to 1985. 

As a university helmsman, he was known for his astute leadership, navigating the complexities of academic governance while fostering an environment conducive to learning and innovation, despite the myriad challenges faced by Nigerian higher institutions during that era.

Aminu’s entry into the federal cabinet marked the beginning of another impactful phase of his public service, where he brought his characteristic thoroughness and brilliance to national policy-making.

He was a firm believer in education as the bedrock of national progress, and his policies reflected this conviction.

Following his tenure in education, he assumed the challenging portfolio of Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources from 1989 to 1992. 

Professor Aminu’s versatility was further demonstrated through his diplomatic and legislative assignments. 

From 1999 to 2003, he served as Nigeria’s Ambassador to the United States, a critical period following Nigeria’s return to democratic rule.

In Washington D.C., he worked tirelessly to strengthen bilateral relations between Nigeria and the US, advocating Nigeria’s interests and promoting a positive image of the country on the international stage. 

His diplomatic finesse and intellectual depth made him a highly respected representative of Nigeria abroad.

His journey in public service culminated in his election as a senator representing Adamawa Central Senatorial District from 2003 to 2011.

A source at the Fombina Emirate (Adamawa Emirate) told one of our reporters that Aminu was opposed to receiving any traditional title in his hometown of Song and Yola.

However, some accounts suggest that Aminu was honoured with traditional titles in other parts of the country. On January 2, 2010, he was installed as “Bobaselu of The Source” by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Sijuwade, in recognition of his contributions to national development.  

Other titles he received include the Bagbile of Lagos; the Imboogu of Omoku, Rivers State; Tunwase of Ijeshaland, Osun State; the Chief of Ohafia, Abia State; the Ojimba of Nnewi, Anambra State and the Odumana Echemba of Omodioka Ikedara, Imo State. 

It was gathered that Aminu left behind a will stating that his remains should be interred in his countryside home of Song.

Aminu is survived by survived by his wife, Fatima Bukar Mulima, nine children and three grandchildren.

Aminu committed to building a greater Nigeria – Tinubu

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in his condolences to Aminu’s family and friends, said he was committed to building a greater Nigeria.

He described Aminu as one of Nigeria’s most decorated medical professionals.

“He 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,” the president said.

He also escribed Aminu as an epitome of “statesmanship and was committed to building a greater Nigeria.”

He was the last of the great titans – Shettima

Vice President Kashim Shettima, who led other Muslim faithful for Aminu’s funeral prayer at the National Mosque, Abuja, yesterday, described him as a man who saw it all and an intellectual giant who can hardly be replaced.

Shettima, who described Aminu’s death as a very sad loss, said he was “the last of the great titans, an iconic figure who enormously contributed to the development of the nation.

He left an indelible mark on our nation – Atiku

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who attended Aminu’s funeral prayer in Abuja, described the deceased as a man of remarkable intellect and dedication.

“His service to Nigeria in various capacities—Minister of Education, Minister of Petroleum, and Ambassador to the United States—left an indelible mark on our nation.

“His contributions to medicine, academia, and the growth of democracy in Nigeria are legendary. His demise is a huge loss not only to the country but to humanity,” he stated.

The former vice president condoled with Aminu’s family and prayed for his soul to find eternal rest in Aljannah Firdaus.

He was a man of uncommon intellect, integrity – Northern govs

The Northern States Governors’ Forum, in a statement by its chairman and governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, described Aminu as an iconic figure whose remarkable legacy in public service, diplomacy and academia would be remembered for generations.

“Professor Aminu was a man of uncommon intellect, integrity and service. His contributions to Nigeria spanned decades of diligent and patriotic service…He exemplified excellence and commitment to national development.

“Professor Aminu’s death is not only a personal loss to his family and the people of Adamawa State, but also a national loss, especially to Northern Nigeria where he played key roles in shaping educational and socio-political landscapes.”

The speaker of the House of Representatives, in a condolence message by his spokesman, Musa Abdullahi Krishi, described Aminu as a reputable elder statesman and an inspiration who lived an impactful and exemplary life.

He was very passionate about Nigeria’s unity, devt – Pate

A professor of Media Studies, Umaru Pate, in an interview with Daily Trust yesterday, said Aminu was very passionate about Nigeria’s unity and development, describing his death as a huge loss to the country.

“He lived a worthy life and Nigeria should remember him in a very big way,” the don added.

He attributed Aminu to the commencement of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, some of the second generation universities, the National Primary Education Board, now Universal Basic Education (UBEC), the nomadic education board, among others.

“He was a man of many parts, extremely intelligent, highly talented and focused on what he did,” Pate said.

“You can see his policies when he served as the Minister of Petroleum and Minister of Education.  He started the National Universities Commission. (NUC), which granted accreditation to the second generation universities.”