•Describes his demise as a profound loss 

•Shettima leads mourners at funeral prayers, says Nigeria has lost an intellectual giant 

•Atiku, Saraki, George, others mourn

President Bola Tinubu has mourned a renowned academic and former Minister of Education, Prof Jubril Aminu, who passed at 85.

Aminu, a one-time President of the African Petroleum Producers’ Organisation (OPEC), passed on in Abuja on Thursday after a prolonged illness.

In a glowing tribute to the late political leader, statesman and one of Nigeria’s most decorated medical professionals, the president described the demise of the Professor of cardiology as a profound loss to the nation.

“I extend my condolences to the family and friends of Professor Jibril Muhammad Aminu, a respected academic and political leader, who passed away at the age of 85.

“Professor  Aminu was a professor of cardiology and one of Nigeria’s most decorated medical professionals. He straddled his profession and politics exceptionally, bringing erudition and brilliance to statecraft.

“In his professional life, he earned many laurels for his grit, hard work, and expertise. He was a fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Science, a fellow of the Royal College of Physicians, London, a fellow of the West African College of Physicians, and a fellow of the Nigerian Postgraduate Medical College.

“He was also a consultant in medicine, Senior Lecturer and Sub-Dean of clinical Studies at the University of Ibadan Medical School (1973–1975), Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (1975–1979), visiting Professor of Medicine at Howard University College of Medicine in Washington DC (1979–1980), and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Maiduguri (1980–1985).

“Professor Aminu served meritoriously in public service as Nigeria’s Ambassador to the United States from 1999 to 2003 and as senator representing Adamawa Central Senatorial District from 2003 to 2011. He also served as Minister of Education and then Petroleum and Mineral Resources (1989–1992).

“Professor Aminu epitomised statesmanship and was committed to building a greater Nigeria. I also extend my condolences to the government and the 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. He left remarkable imprints in the sands of time. May he find eternal rest in Aljana Firdaus. And may Allah forgive his sins.”

Meanwhile, Vice-President Kashim Shettima, yesterday, led other Muslim faithful for the Jana’iza (funeral prayers) of the late  renowned medical scholar, Prof. Jibril Aminu, at the National Mosque, Abuja.

The vice-president, who arrived at the National Mosque at 1:52 pm, according to a release issued by his spokesperson, Stanley Nkwocha, commiserated with the family of the deceased and prayed Allah to comfort them and make Aljanna Firdaus the final abode of the late elder statesman.

Noting that Aminu’s demise was a great loss to the nation, Shettima described the late surgeon, educationist and administrator as a man who saw it all, just as he said the deceased was an intellectual giant who could hardly be replaced.

“It is a very sad loss. Prof Jubril Aminu was the last of the great titans, an iconic figure, who enormously contributed to the development of the nation.

“He was variously the Executive Secretary of NUC, Vice Chancellor of the University of Maiduguri and Honourable Minister of various ministries across the country and left his landmarks on the sands of time.

“He is irreplaceable. May Allah grant him Aljanatul Firdaus and give the family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss. His loss is not just to the good people of Adamawa State but to the nation and Africa at large,” the Vice President prayed.

Born in Song, Adamawa in 1939, Aminu was a towering figure in Nigerian public life.

Other mourners who joined the Vice President at the National Mosque in Abuja for the Jana’iza included former Vice President Atiku Abubakar; National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; Special Adviser to the President on General Duties (Office of the Vice President), Dr. Aliyu Modibbo.

Also at the mosque was former Secretary to the Federal Government, Yayale Ahmed; former Governor of Adamawa State, Admiral Murtala Nyako; and former Governor of Gombe State, Senator Danjuma Goje.

There was also a former Chief of Army Staff, General Tukur Buratai (rtd); former Minister of Education, Professor Tahir Mamman; and former Minister of State for Health, Dr. Aliyu Idi Hong, among many others.

Meanwhile, Atiku Abubakar and former senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, have joined other Nigerians to mourn Aminu.

According to statement on his X space, Atiku, wrote, “This afternoon, I joined a congregation of Muslim worshippers at the National Mosque in Abuja to perform  funeral prayers (Jana’iza) for Professor Jibril Aminu, who passed away in the early hours of today, at the age of 85.

‘’His contributions to the field of medicine, academia, and the growth of democracy in Nigeria remain legendary, and his demise a huge loss to humanity. May his family and friends be comforted, and his soul be granted Aljannah Firdaus. Ameen.’’

Saraki, on his part, said, “The news of Professor Jibril Aminu’s passing came as a rude shock. Professor Aminu was a rare kind of public servant, one who brought excellence and purpose to every role he held.

“Whether in medicine, education, diplomacy, or governance, he carried himself with dignity and left a mark that would not be easily forgotten.

‘’My family and I extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, the government and people of Adamawa, and all Nigerians mourning this loss.

‘’May Allah (SWT) forgive his shortcomings and grant him a place in Aljannah Firdaus,’’ he said.

Former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olabode George, expressed sadness over Aminu’s passing.

George, in a statement, described Aminu as “a distinguished scholar, diplomat, and founding member of our great party, the PDP.”

The elder statesman said Aminu, who was a distinguished Senator of the Federal Republic “was a selfless Nigerian politician. A man of great intellect and integrity, whose service to humanity and Nigeria, inspired generations.

“As Minister of Education and Petroleum Resources, his visionary and introspective focus immensely helped shape critical sectors of our country. I can recall how he stood by me during my phantom trial and incarceration. He visited me several times, to demonstrate his solidarity.

“He was a true elder statesman and very personal to me. His legacy will continue to impact on the countless lives he touched and the institutions he helped build. Nigeria has lost a rare gentleman and one of her finest.”