Professor Jibril Muhammed Aminu, formerly known as Aminu Song, passed away on June 5, 2025, leaving behind a deeply layered legacy. Tributes have poured in from Nigeria’s political and academic elite, each extolling his remarkable contributions to medicine, education, diplomacy, and governance. While his towering presence in public life remains undeniable, his record also invites critical scrutiny, especially regarding his approach to leadership during turbulent moments.

Tributes From the Top: A Life of Service Acknowledged

Following news of his passing, the Presidency issued a statement lauding Aminu as one of Nigeria’s most distinguished medical professionals and public servants. Known for his pioneering work in cardiology, he later transitioned into politics and governance, holding key positions including Minister of Education, Minister of Petroleum, and Ambassador to the United States.

Vice President Kashim Shettima described him as “the last of the great titans,” calling his death an irreplaceable loss to the nation. In his tribute, Shettima emphasized Aminu’s far-reaching influence and unwavering commitment to national development.

Similarly, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar credited Aminu with significant contributions not only to medicine and academia but also to the maturation of Nigeria’s democratic processes. “His legacy remains legendary,” Atiku declared, adding that humanity had lost a rare gem.

Former Senate President Bukola Saraki hailed Aminu as a public servant of uncommon excellence, while PDP elder statesman Chief Olabode George called him “a man of great intellect and integrity” whose national service inspired generations.

These accolades, while richly deserved in some aspects, represent only one layer of a life that also included controversy and confrontation, especially in his dealings with students and academic institutions.

1978 Students Uprising: The NUC and the Spark of Tragedy

Aminu rose to national prominence in 1978 when he served as Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC). At that time, he announced a dramatic increase in university accommodation and feeding fees. This decision triggered widespread protests among students, culminating in the April 1978 Students Uprising. The demonstrations tragically ended with multiple deaths as security forces opened fire on students and civilians.

Defenders of Aminu have long argued that he was merely implementing policy directives under a military government. Still, critics note that his failure to show empathy or publicly advocate for restraint in response to the protests remains a blemish on his record.

UNIMAID 1983 Crisis: Authoritarian Rule in Academia

A particularly troubling chapter in Aminu’s career occurred during his tenure as Vice Chancellor of the University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) in the early 1980s. Though Nigeria had returned to constitutional governance by then, Aminu’s leadership style appeared to reflect military-era authoritarianism.

The crisis began in January 1983 when a Professor of Medicine, delayed by erratic Lagos flights, returned late from the Christmas break. Rather than accommodating the reality of Nigeria’s flawed transportation system, Aminu issued a disciplinary query. The professor, a mentor of Aminu, found the action insulting and promptly resigned.

The fallout from this incident endangered the medical school’s future and placed its pioneer students in limbo. The Students Union, led by Paul Zadok, stepped in to mediate, urging Aminu to reconcile with the professor. However, he reportedly refused any compromise.

On February 2, 1983, a student-led rally escalated into a destructive protest. Property was damaged, and Aminu reacted by labeling the event an insurrection. He accused 500 students of involvement, though the number was later reduced to 100.

A disciplinary panel—headed by an alleged victim of the protest—was quickly formed. Without conducting a thorough investigation, the university administration expelled 29 students, including student union leaders. All 4,000 students were also surcharged for the damages.

Legal Battles and a Landmark Supreme Court Ruling

The expelled students challenged the university’s decision in court, aided by prominent human rights lawyer Chief Gani Fawehinmi, who took the case pro bono. Justice Adagun of the Borno State High Court ruled in their favor, citing a lack of fair hearing. The university appealed, and while the Court of Appeal agreed that the students were denied due process, it suggested the university be allowed to redo the process properly.

The matter finally reached the Supreme Court, which delivered a scathing rebuke of the university’s actions. The court ruled that the students’ constitutional rights had been violated. It emphasized that guilt in matters involving serious accusations—such as arson or assault—must be established through legal tribunals, not administrative panels.

Furthermore, the court underscored a fundamental principle: No person should serve as judge in their own cause. Since university authorities were both victims and arbiters, their actions lacked impartiality. The students were reinstated, marking a significant victory for justice and rule of law.

Service Under Military Regimes: A Mixed Record

Aminu’s career continued with his appointments as Minister of Education and then Minister of Petroleum between 1989 and 1992. Both roles occurred under the military regimes of Generals Ibrahim Babangida and Sani Abacha—regimes widely criticized for undermining democracy, muzzling the judiciary, and using authoritarian tactics to cling to power.

Supporters may argue that Aminu served Nigeria to the best of his abilities regardless of the regime type, but others question the ethical implications of working closely with autocratic governments. His participation in the 1994 National Constitutional Conference, which some saw as a ploy to legitimize Abacha’s regime, also remains contentious.

A Return in Democracy: Ambassador, Senator, and Statesman

With Nigeria’s return to civilian rule, Aminu enjoyed renewed relevance. President Olusegun Obasanjo appointed him as Nigeria’s Ambassador to the United States. He later served two terms in the Nigerian Senate, where he continued to influence national discourse on health, education, and foreign policy.

These roles allowed him to solidify his status as a respected elder statesman, though critics argue that he never fully reckoned with his controversial past, especially his handling of student rights and democratic values during military rule.

The Final Reckoning: A Legacy in Full View

The outpouring of tributes celebrating Aminu’s intellectual prowess and service underscores the deep respect many held for him. However, his story also serves as a reminder that public figures, no matter how accomplished, must ultimately be judged in full—not just by the highlights of their achievements, but by their conduct during moments of crisis.

The tributes may flow like rivers, but alternative perspectives also demand space. For many, particularly those whose lives were affected by the 1978 and 1983 incidents, Aminu’s legacy is more complex and painful than celebratory.

In the end, one thing is clear: Professor Jibril Muhammed Aminu was a man of immense talents, indelible achievements, and undeniable flaws. He left an imprint on Nigeria’s history that will be debated for years to come.

May his soul find peace, and may the nation continue to learn from both his triumphs and his shortcomings. Ameen.