The National Universities Commission (NUC) has acknowledged that former Education Minister and first Executive Secretary of the commission, Prof. Jibril Aminu, played a pivotal role in establishing the framework for the regulation and systematic growth of university education in Nigeria, setting the stage for its future development. Acting Executive Secretary of the commission, Chris Maiyaki, stated this in a congratulatory message to mark Aminu’s 85th birthday.

Aminu served as pioneer Executive Secretary of NUC from 1974 to 1979 and as Education Minister between 1985 and 1989. He was also the Nigerian Ambassador to the United States from 1999 to 2003, was elected Senator for Adamawa Central constituency in 2003 and was re-elected in 2007.

Maiyaki described the elder statesman as a distinguished academic, administrator, public servant, mentor and true icon who served the country unblemished.

According to the NUC helmsman, Aminu’s tenure as Minister of Education further “strengthened his legacy in university education, equipping the NUC with legal and regulatory frameworks such as the Minimum Academic Standards (MAS).

Aminu was the driving force behind the creation of the 6-3-3-4 education system and his role in establishing seven additional universities underscores his lasting impact on Nigeria’s educational landscape.

“He also established the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE) as well as the National Commission for Nomadic Education (NCNE) during his tenure as the Minister of Education.