Professor Jibril Aminu, a former Minister of Petroleum and Education, and one of Nigeria’s most accomplished scholars and statesmen, has died at the age of 85.
Likewise, Daniel Dantshoho Abutu, a former Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, is dead. He was 79 years old.
Aminu’s death was confirmed on Wednesday by Hon. Abdullahi Prambe, the Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development in Adamawa State.
A towering figure in Nigeria’s public service, academia, and diplomacy, Professor Aminu’s passing marks the end of an era for a man whose career spanned medicine, education, politics, and international relations. He had celebrated his 85th birthday on August 25, 2024.
The news of his death was first announced in a Facebook post by former senator and human rights advocate, Shehu Sani, who praised the late professor’s contributions to national development.
“He constructed the Eleme Refinery and most of the petroleum depots in the country when he was the Petroleum Minister,” Sani wrote. “He decentralised and reformed the NNPC. Since he left office, none has been added.”
Sani also recalled Aminu’s achievements as Minister of Education, during which he established the Nomadic Education Commission and the School for Gifted Children, among other far-reaching reforms. “He served as the Vice Chancellor of the University of Maiduguri and headed the National Universities Commission (NUC) in the 1970s. He represented Adamawa in the Senate twice,” Sani noted. “He was the best medical student at the UCH Ibadan in the 60s — a rare feat for a northerner at that time. The nation has lost one of its greatest intellectuals and visionary leaders.”
Born in 1939 in Song, Adamawa State, Professor Aminu’s distinguished career began in medicine, where he trained as a Consultant Cardiologist. He was regarded as a pioneer in his field and an intellectual force who used his medical expertise as a foundation for national service.
He later transitioned into public administration and diplomacy, holding several top-level positions, including Nigeria’s Ambassador to the United States, Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, and Minister of Education. He also served two terms in the Nigerian Senate, representing Adamawa Central.
As Vice Chancellor of the University of Maiduguri, and later as Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission, Aminu played a critical role in shaping Nigeria’s higher education landscape. His leadership was widely credited with raising standards and expanding access to education in underserved regions.
Reacting to the news, Hon. Prambe described the deceased as “a mentor and a guiding light for both Adamawa and Nigeria.” He added, “His contributions to education, healthcare, and governance will remain etched in our history.”
Justice Abutu’s death was announced by Sulaiman Hassan, the Chief Registrar of the Federal High Court, in a statement issued on Wednesday.
Born on March 15, 1946, in Kogi State, Justice Abutu rose through the judicial ranks to become Chief Judge of the Federal High Court.
He was widely respected for his bold leadership, administrative acumen, and steadfast adherence to the rule of law.
In a personal tribute, the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, described the late jurist as a beacon of wisdom. He noted that he would be remembered not only for his legal brilliance but also for his humility and the invaluable mentorship he provided to younger judges and lawyers.
“Justice Abutu’s death closes a significant chapter in the court’s history,” Justice Tsoho said.
“The entire judiciary mourns the loss of a rare gem,” he added.
Abutu served as chief judge of the court from September 2009 to March 2011.
Federal High Court’s Chief Registrar described the late former chief judge as a jurist who served the court and the nation with “distinction, integrity, and unwavering commitment to justice”.
“The federal high court regrets to announce the passing of our former chief judge, Hon. Justice D. D. Abutu, who served the court and the nation with distinction, integrity, and unwavering commitment to justice,” the statement reads.
“In honour of his exemplary service and enduring legacy, all divisions of the federal high court are hereby directed to display a portrait of the late chief judge in a dignified and visible area within the respective court premises.”
Hassan said the court has ordered the immediate opening of condolence registers at all its divisions to allow judges, staff, members of the bar, and the general public to pay their tributes and express sympathies to the late Abutu.
He added that further details regarding funeral arrangements would be communicated in due course.
