Renowned Nigerian Statesman, Jubril Aminu, Dies at 85 to be buried 2pm today
A distinguished Nigerian diplomat, academic, and former senator, Professor Jubril Aminu has died at the age of 85. The elder statesman died on Wednesday in Abuja after a prolonged illness.
Born on August 25, 1939, Aminu marked his 85th birthday in 2024. He was a prominent figure in Nigeria’s political and academic spheres for decades, having served the nation in multiple high-profile capacities.
Between 1989 and 1992, he served successively as the Federal Minister of Education and then as the Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources. During his time in the oil ministry, he held influential international roles as President of the African Petroleum Producers’ Organization in 1991 and later as President of the OPEC Conference from 1991 to 1992.
In a diplomatic capacity, he represented Nigeria as Ambassador to the United States from 1999 to 2003 before transitioning to legislative duties. He was elected senator for Adamawa Central and served from 2003 to 2011.
Aminu was also a respected medical professional and cardiologist. He earned his first medical degree from the University of Ibadan in 1965 and went on to obtain a PhD in medicine from the Royal Postgraduate Medical School in London in 1972.
He is survived by two wives and nine children. According to family sources, his funeral prayer (Janazah) will be held at the Abuja National Mosque following the Zuhr prayer at 2 p.m. today.
