The Management and Staff of the National Universities Commission (NUC) received with deep sadness the news of the passing of Professor Jibril Aminu, who died on 5th June 2025.
Professor Aminu served as the pioneer Executive Secretary of the NUC from 1974 to 1979, during which he was instrumental in shaping the Nigerian University System. His tenure marked a turning point for the Commission, with notable efforts that standardised academic programmes, enhanced the research capacity of universities, and laid the foundation for the orderly development of the NUS. He championed worldclass university education and his vision and pace-setting continue to guide the NUC’s work today.
Prof. Aminu, a renowned cardiologist, educator, administrator, diplomat, and politician who held several key national roles including the Vice Chancellor of the University of Maiduguri, Minister of Education, Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Ambassador to the United States, and Senator representing Adamawa Central. In each of these roles, he demonstrated uncommon dedication to public service and national development.
Although long retired, Professor Aminu remained closely connected to the NUC. While his last visit was during the NUC’s 50th Anniversary celebrations, he continued to offer guidance to the Management whenever called upon and was always ready to share his wisdom with humility and grace.
On a personal note, Prof. Aminu employed me as an Assistant Lecturer at the University of Maiduguri in September 1985 while serving as Vice-Chancellor, few days to his appointment as Minister of Education by General Ibrahim Babangida. Today, by God’s grace, I am currently serving as the 9th Executive Secretary of the Commission he pioneered over 50 years ago. His demise is therefore a personal loss to me.
The Commission will continue to honour Professor Aminu’s remarkable legacy and celebrate a life lived in service to the nation.
On behalf of the NUC and the NUS, I commiserate with his wife, children, grandchildren, entire family, friends, associates and the nation in general.
May Allah (SWT) have mercy on him and admit him into Jannatul Firdaus. Allah yafu Professor – Aameen
Signed
Prof. Abdullahi Yusufu Ribadu FCVSN, FJSPS, MNIM
Executive Secretary, National Universities Commission