Tribute to Prof. Jibril Muhammad Aminu (1939–2025)
Fulbe Lenyol mourns the loss of Prof. Jibril Hammajam Muhammad Aminu, a distinguished scholar, statesman, and patriot whose legacy shaped the Nigeria's educational and political landscape. Born in Song, Adamawa State, in 1939, Prof. Aminu's brilliance was evident early, earning his MBBS from the University of Ibadan in 1965 and a Ph.D. in Medicine from the Royal Postgraduate Medical School, London, in 1972.
As the pioneer Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC) from 1975 to 1979, he laid the foundation for Nigeria's modern university system, overseeing the establishment of second-generation universities and enforcing academic standards. His tenure as Vice-Chancellor of the University of Maiduguri (1980–1985) was marked by infrastructural expansion and academic excellence.
Appointed Minister of Education in 1985, Prof. Aminu introduced transformative policies, including the 6-3-3-4 education system, and established the National Commission for Colleges of Education and the National Commission for #Nomadic_Education. Later, as Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources (1989–1992), he championed transparency and expanded Nigeria's oil infrastructure, serving as President of OPEC in 1991.
His diplomatic acumen shone as Nigeria's Ambassador to the U.S. (1999–2003), followed by two terms as Senator for Adamawa Central (2003–2011), where he chaired the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs.
Prof. Aminu's contributions earned him numerous honors, including fellowships from the Nigerian Academy of Science and the Royal College of Physicians. His passing on June 5, 2025, at 85, leaves a void in Nigeria's intellectual and political spheres. May his legacy inspire future generations. Alla yaafu mo. Aameen!
@UmarMagajiUmar
