Nigeria has lost one of its most revered intellectuals and public servants, Professor Jibril Aminu, who died in Abuja on Thursday at the age of 85 after a prolonged illness. His death marks the end of a remarkable era of service that spanned academia, diplomacy, and governance.
Born in August 1939, Professor Aminu rose through the ranks to become one of Nigeria’s most accomplished scholar-statesmen. A former Minister of Education and later Minister of Petroleum Resources, he also served as Nigeria’s Ambassador to the United States and was a two-term Senator representing Adamawa Central.
Throughout his illustrious career, Professor Aminu distinguished himself with integrity, intellectual rigor, and patriotic commitment. His contributions to national development, especially in the education and oil sectors, have left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s institutional frameworks.
A family spokesperson confirmed that his funeral prayer (Janazah) will be held at 2:00 p.m. today at the Abuja National Mosque, in line with Islamic rites. His remains will then be flown to Song Local Government Area of Adamawa State, his hometown, for burial.
Condolences have been pouring in from across the country, with leaders, academics, and statesmen describing his death as a great loss to the nation. Many recall his humility, brilliance, and unwavering commitment to the ideals of public service.
Professor Aminu's legacy lives on through the institutions he helped build, the policies he shaped, and the countless lives he impacted across Nigeria and beyond.