The renowned academic, diplomat and politician passed away after a distinguished career in public service and academia that spanned several decades.
Born in August 1939 in Adamawa State, North-East Nigeria, Prof. Aminu obtained his medical degree from the University of Ibadan in 1965. He later earned a Ph.D. in Medicine from the Royal Post-Graduate Medical School in the United Kingdom.
Prof. Aminu began his professional career as a consultant, senior lecturer, and Sub-Dean of Clinical Studies at the University of Ibadan Medical School from 1973 to 1975. He was appointed Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC) in 1975, a position he held until 1979.
In 1979, he became a visiting professor of medicine at Howard University College of Medicine in Washington, D.C., United States, before assuming the position of Vice-Chancellor of the University of Maiduguri, serving from 1980 to 1985.
He was appointed Minister of Education between 1989 and 1990 and later served as Minister of Petroleum Resources from 1990 to 1992, where he played a significant role in Nigeria’s oil and gas policy direction.
Prof. Aminu also served as Nigeria’s Ambassador to the United States from 1999 to 2003. He was elected Senator representing Adamawa Central Senatorial District from 2003 to 2007.
He was widely respected for his contributions to national development, particularly in the fields of education, health, and diplomacy.
His death marks the end of an era for many who admired his intellect, statesmanship, and service to the nation.
