Ex-petroleum minister, Jibril Aminu passes away following illness

Professor Jibril Aminu, a distinguished Nigerian diplomat and former lawmaker, has passed away at the age of 85 after a prolonged illness.

The renowned cardiologist and statesman whose career spanned medicine, diplomacy, and politics died on Wednesday in Abuja.

He served as Nigeria’s Ambassador to the United States from 1999 to 2003, during a critical period in the country’s return to democracy.

Following his diplomatic service, he represented Adamawa Central Senatorial District in the Nigerian Senate from 2003 to 2011, where he was known for his intellect, calm demeanour, and policy depth.

Born in 1939, Professor Aminu obtained his first medical degree from the University of Ibadan in 1965. He later earned a PhD in Medicine from the prestigious Royal Post-Graduate Medical School, London, in 1972, becoming a leading voice in cardiology and medical education in Nigeria.

His public service also included earlier roles as Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC) and Federal Minister of Education, as well as Federal Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources in the late 1980s.

Professor Aminu is survived by two wives and nine children.