- Safiu Kehinde
President Bola Tinubu has mourned the passing of former Minister of Education, Prof. Jibril Aminu.
NPO Reported that the ex-Minister died earlier today at the age of 85 after a prolonged illness.
Reacting to the development in a personal statement issued on Thursday evening, Tinubu expressed his condolences to the deceased’s family and friends.
He described the late ex-minister as a respected academic and political leader who brought erudition and brilliance to statecraft.
Tinubu lauded his professionalism while describing his passing as a profound loss to the nation.
He prayed for him to find eternal rest.
The statement read in part; “I extend my condolences to the family and friends of Professor Jibril Muhammad Aminu, a respected academic and political leader who passed away at the age of 85.
“Professor Aminu was a professor of cardiology and 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. He was a fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Science, a fellow of the Royal College of Physicians, London, a fellow of the West African College of Physicians, and a fellow of the Nigerian Postgraduate Medical College.
“He was also a consultant in medicine, Senior Lecturer and Sub-Dean of clinical Studies at the University of Ibadan Medical School (1973–1975), Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (1975–1979), visiting Professor of Medicine at Howard University College of Medicine in Washington DC (1979–1980), and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Maiduguri (1980–1985).
“Professor Aminu served meritoriously in public service as Nigeria’s ambassador to the United States from 1999 to 2003 and as senator representing Adamawa Central Senatorial District from 2003 to 2011. He also served as Minister of Education and then Petroleum and Mineral Resources (1989–1992).
Professor Aminu epitomised statesmanship and was committed to building a greater Nigeria.
“I also extend my condolences to the government and the people of Adamawa State.
“Professor Aminu’s passing is a profound loss to the nation, but as we grieve, we must find solace in his legacy. He left remarkable imprints in the sands of time.
“May he find eternal rest in Aljana Firdaus. And may Allah forgive his sins.”