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Shettima leads mourners at funeral, calls him irreplaceable
By Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu has expressed deep sadness over the death of Professor Jibril Aminu, who passed away at the age of 85 on Wednesday, June 4, after a prolonged illness.
A revered academic, medical professional, and political leader, Professor Aminu’s death marks the end of an era for Nigeria’s intellectual and public service landscape.
In a statement personally signed, President Tinubu extended heartfelt condolences to Aminu’s family, friends, and the people of Adamawa State, describing him as a statesman who epitomised integrity and contributed immensely to nation-building. “He left remarkable imprints in the sands of time,” Tinubu said, praising Aminu’s dual legacy as a distinguished cardiologist and a dedicated public servant.
Tinubu highlighted Aminu’s illustrious career, which spanned academia and public service. Aminu was a professor of cardiology and held prestigious fellowships with the Nigerian Academy of Science, the Royal College of Physicians (London), the West African College of Physicians, and the Nigerian Postgraduate Medical College. His academic roles included Senior Lecturer and Sub-Dean at the University of Ibadan Medical School, Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Visiting Professor at Howard University in Washington, DC, and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Maiduguri.
In public service, Aminu served as Nigeria’s Ambassador to the United States (1999–2003), Senator for Adamawa Central (2003–2011), and Minister of Education and Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources between 1989 and 1992. He also served as President of the African Petroleum Producers’ Organisation and led the OPEC Conference from 1991 to 1992.
“I extend my condolences to the government and 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. May he find eternal rest in Aljannah Firdaus, and may Allah forgive his shortcomings,” Tinubu said.
Vice President Kashim Shettima led the Jana’iza (funeral prayers) at the National Mosque in Abuja on Thursday, June 5, 2025, joined by prominent figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, and several former governors and ministers.
In a statement issued by his media aide, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima described Aminu as an “intellectual giant” and “the last of the great titans,” whose contributions to education, medicine, and governance are irreplaceable.
“It is a very sad loss. Professor Jibril Aminu was an iconic figure who enormously contributed to the development of the nation. He served as Executive Secretary of the NUC, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Maiduguri, and Honourable Minister across various ministries, leaving his landmarks on the sands of time. He is irreplaceable. May Allah grant him Aljannah Firdaus and give his family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss. His loss is not just to the people of Adamawa State but to the nation and Africa at large,” Shettima said.
