Abuja, Nigeria – June 5, 2025 — Vice President Kashim Shettima and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar were among several high-profile Nigerians who joined Muslim faithful at the National Mosque in Abuja this Thursday afternoon to offer funeral prayers (Janazah) for the late Professor Jibril Aminu.
Professor Aminu, a renowned academic, statesman, and elder statesman, passed away in the early hours of Thursday at the age of 85. His passing marks the end of an era of distinguished public service and intellectual brilliance.
The solemn prayer session, which drew dignitaries from across the country, was led by prominent Islamic clerics and attended by government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, former ministers, lawmakers, and family members of the deceased.
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Born in August 1939, Professor Aminu was a man of many firsts. He served as Nigeria’s Minister of Education from 1989 to 1990 and Minister of Petroleum Resources from 1990 to 1992. He later represented Adamawa Central in the Senate from 2003 to 2007.
Before his legislative career, Aminu was Nigeria’s Ambassador to the United States between 1999 and 2003, where he played a key role in strengthening bilateral relations and projecting Nigeria’s image abroad.
An accomplished scholar, Professor Aminu was also a Visiting Professor of Medicine at Howard University, Washington, between 1979 and 1980. His contributions to medical education and research earned him global recognition, while his input in shaping Nigeria’s democratic landscape left a lasting legacy.
In separate tributes, Vice President Shettima and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar described Professor Aminu as a national treasure whose life embodied dedication, discipline, and deep patriotism. “His intellect, humility, and contributions to public life will never be forgotten,” Atiku said.
The family of the deceased has announced that burial arrangements are in accordance with Islamic rites, with prayers continuing across various mosques in the days ahead.
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As the nation mourns, tributes continue to pour in from colleagues, students, and friends across the globe, highlighting his enduring impact on medicine, education, diplomacy, and national development.
Professor Jibril Aminu is survived by his wife, children, and grandchildren.
May his soul rest in peace, and may Allah (SWT) grant him Aljannah Firdaus.
