VP Shettima leads funeral prayers for late Prof. Jibril Aminu
…describes him as an “intellectual giant”
By Kunle Sanni
Vice President Kashim Shettima on Thursday led a host of dignitaries and mourners at the funeral prayers (Jana’iza) of the late Professor Jibril Aminu, describing the former Minister of Education and Petroleum as an irreplaceable intellectual giant and national icon.
The funeral took place at the National Mosque in Abuja, where top government officials, political leaders, and family members gathered to pay their final respects to the elder statesman, who died in Abuja on Thursday after a prolonged illness.
Arriving at the mosque at 1:52 p.m., Vice President Shettima offered condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for Allah to grant Prof. Aminu eternal rest in Aljanna Firdaus.
“This is a very sad loss,” the Vice President said. “Prof. Jibril Aminu was the last of the great titans—an iconic figure who contributed enormously to the development of our nation. His legacy cuts across education, health, and public service. He is truly irreplaceable.”
Shettima highlighted the late professor’s distinguished service to Nigeria, including his roles as Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Vice Chancellor of the University of Maiduguri, Minister of Education, and Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources. He also noted Aminu’s tenure as Nigeria’s Ambassador to the United States and as Senator representing Adamawa Central from 2003 to 2011.
Born in Song, Adamawa State, in 1939, Prof. Aminu was a renowned cardiologist, scholar, and statesman. He also served as President of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) Conference from 1991 to 1992.
Joining the Vice President at the funeral were former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation Yayale Ahmed, former Governors Murtala Nyako and Danjuma Goje, former Chief of Army Staff Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (rtd), and several other high-profile dignitaries.
They remembered Aminu not only for his professional achievements but also for his integrity, intellect, and patriotism.
