President Bola Tinubu on Thursday paid tribute to Jibril Aminu, a respected academic and political leader who passed away at the age of 85.

The president, who extended his condolences to the government and the people of Adamawa, described Mr Aminu’s death as a profound loss to the nation.

In the tribute, the president stated that Mr Aminu, a professor of cardiology, was one of Nigeria’s most decorated medical professionals who 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,” said Mr Tinubu.

Mr Aminu 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). Mr Aminu was the executive secretary of the National Universities Commission (1975–1979), a 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).

He served meritoriously in public service, first as Nigeria’s ambassador to the United States from 1999 to 2003 and later as a senator representing Adamawa Central senatorial district from 2003 to 2011.

He also served as education minister and then petroleum minister (1989–1992).

“He epitomised statesmanship and was committed to building a greater Nigeria,” Mr Tinubu noted.

Similarly, Governor Ahmadu Fintiri said Mr Aminu was one of Nigeria’s most illustrious elder statesmen.

Mr Fintiri described the late Aminu as “a towering figure in Nigeria’s intellectual and political landscape”.

“Professor Aminu served Nigeria with rare distinction in a range of national assignments, including as Minister of Education, Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Nigerian Ambassador to the United States, and senator representing Adamawa Central.

“In each of these capacities, he embodied dignity, insight, and an unwavering commitment to national development…Prof. Aminu was a rare breed of patriot and a silent reformer whose legacy spans education, diplomacy, and politics”, he stated.

(NAN)