The Federal Ministry of Education has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Professor Aminu Jubril, a distinguished academic, diplomat, cardiologist, and statesman who served Nigeria in multiple high-profile capacities. He died in Abuja on Thursday at the age of 85 after a prolonged illness.

Jubril’s academic excellence began early—he graduated as the best student at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, in 1965 and earned a PhD in Medicine from the Royal Postgraduate Medical School, London, in 1972.

His stellar public service career included serving as Minister of Education (1985–1989), Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources (1989–1992), Ambassador to the U.S. (1999–2003), Senator for Adamawa Central (2003–2011), and a Delegate to the 1994–1995 Constitutional Conference.

As Minister of Education, he pioneered reforms that laid the groundwork for inclusive and sustainable development in Nigeria’s education sector.

Minister of Education Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa described him as “a beacon of visionary leadership” and extended condolences to his family, the government of Adamawa State, and the Nigerian public.