The Federal Ministry of Education under the leadership of Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa said it deeply mourns the passing of Professor Aminu Jubril, a former Minister of Education1985 to 1989 who died on Thursday in Abuja.
The enowned academic, diplomat, cardiologist, and elder statesman, died at the age of 85, after a prolonged illness, a statement by the Director, Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade said.
The statement described Professor Aminu Jubril as a towering figure in Nigeria’s intellectual and public service landscape, a celebrated medical scholar, who graduated as the best student from the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, in 1965, and went on to earn a PhD in Medicine from the Royal Postgraduate Medical School, London, in 1972.
Over the course of his distinguished public service career, Professor Jubril served Nigeria with honour and distinction.
He held several key national roles, including Minister of Education and later Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources (1989–1992), Ambassador to the United States of America (1999–2003), Senator representing Adamawa Central (2003–2011), and Delegate to the National Constitutional Conference (1994–1995), contributing significantly to nation-building across various sectors.
As Minister of Education, he championed impactful reforms and policies that laid a strong foundation for inclusive and forward-looking educational development in Nigeria.
The statement said his legacy of scholarship, visionary leadership, and unwavering service to the nation remains a beacon of inspiration within the education sector and beyond.
"The Minister of Education, on behalf of the entire Ministry, extends sincere condolences to the family of Professor Jubril, the government and people of Adamawa State, and all Nigerians.
"We pray for the peaceful repose of his soul and for comfort to all who mourn this irreplaceable loss."