Ex-Minister of Petroleum Dies at 85 After Prolonged Illness
By: Israel Adeleke
OPEN TELEVISION NAIJA (OTN) News reports as gathered that a former Nigerian Minister and diplomat, Professor Jibril Aminu, on Thursday passed away at 85, after a prolonged illness.
OTN News further reports as gathered that Aminu, also a former lawmaker, who made significant contributions to the country’s education, petroleum sectors, and international relations died in Abuja.
His remains was said to be flown to Yola and later to his hometown in Song Local Government Area of Adamawa State for burial.
OTN News observes that Aminu, a native of Adamawa State, began his public service journey with outstanding academic achievements.
He earned himself medical degree from the University of Ibadan in 1965, and also graduated as the best student during his set from the University College Hospital.
He obtained a PhD in Medicine from the Royal Postgraduate Medical School in London in 1972.
On News further observes that, throughout his illustrious career, Prof. Aminu served Nigeria in various high-profile roles, including Minister of Education, Petroleum, and Mineral Resources from 1989 to 1992.
During his tenure at the petroleum ministry, he was elected President of the African Petroleum Producers’ Organisation and chaired the OPEC Conference between 1991 and 1992.
He also served as Nigeria’s Ambassador to the United States from 1999 to 2003 and later represented Adamawa Central in the Nigerian Senate from 2003 to 2011.
Prof. Aminu was a delegate at the National Constitutional Conference in 1994 and contributed to national policy reforms.
However, beyond politics, he was Vice Chancellor of the University of Maiduguri and Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC).
Prof. Jibril Aminu is survived by his wife, children, and grandchildren.
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