Usman Jibrin was born in 1942 in Nasarawa Local Government Area, present-day Nasarawa State, Nigeria, into a family that valued education and civic responsibility. He attended Nasarawa Elementary School, continued his studies at Abuja Middle School, and later enrolled at Government College Kaduna, where he received a solid academic foundation that prepared him for a career in the Nigerian Armed Forces.
In 1963, Jibrin joined the Nigerian Air Force, which was still a young and developing branch of the military, demonstrating early aptitude for both leadership and technical skill. He underwent pilot training in Canada at the Royal Canadian Air Force Flying Training School, qualifying as a pilot in 1964. His military education extended beyond Nigeria, including advanced jet conversion and instructor training in Germany, fighter pilot and instructor training on the MiG-21 in the Soviet Union, and staff training in the United Kingdom. These experiences equipped him with the knowledge and discipline that would mark his career.
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Military Career
During the 1960s and early 1970s, Jibrin held successive command positions at several Nigerian Air Force bases, including Kaduna, Kano, Makurdi, and Ikeja, and served as a senior officer in charge of administration and discipline at Air Force Headquarters in Lagos. His approach was characterised by organisational precision, discipline, and attention to administrative order, earning him the respect of colleagues and subordinates alike.
By the mid-1970s, Jibrin had attained the rank of Group Captain, equivalent to a full Colonel in the Nigerian Army, reflecting his competence and dedication. His service contributed to the growth and operational development of the Air Force during a period when Nigeria was consolidating its military institutions and training programmes.
Governorship of North-Central / Kaduna State
On 30 July 1975, following the coup that brought General Murtala Mohammed to power, Jibrin was appointed Military Governor of North-Central State, which was later reorganised to form Kaduna State. During his tenure, he focused on maintaining administrative stability, upholding institutional integrity, and ensuring the smooth functioning of government agencies. His leadership was characterised by impartiality, discipline, and a commitment to ethical governance.
Jibrin continued to serve as governor following the state reorganisation that created Kaduna State, demonstrating flexibility and dedication during a period of political transition. He resigned from office and retired from the Nigerian Air Force in 1978, reportedly due to disagreements with the federal government, led by General Olusegun Obasanjo, over policies affecting regional institutions, including the autonomy of local radio services.
Post-Military Service and Contributions
Following his retirement, Usman Jibrin remained active in both public service and private enterprise, continuing to contribute to national development and community welfare. He served as chairman of the Green Revolution Programme in Benue-Plateau State, overseeing agricultural and productivity initiatives. He also chaired the Nigerian Productivity Research Institute in Ilorin, applying his administrative expertise to improve efficiency and output.
Jibrin further extended his leadership to the industrial sector, serving as chairman of Jos Steel Rolling Mill, and later played an active role in banking, including as chairman of Nasarawa Community Bank and as a board member of Jaiz International Bank. These roles reflected his commitment to economic development, institutional management, and corporate governance.
In addition to his professional and economic contributions, Jibrin engaged extensively in Islamic community affairs. He held leadership positions in the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), contributing to religious welfare, pilgrimage administration, and community cohesion. His involvement in faith-based organisations reflected his dedication to public service and ethical leadership beyond formal governmental roles.
Death and Legacy
Group Captain Usman Jibrin passed away on 8 September 2011, leaving behind a legacy characterised by professionalism, discipline, and principled leadership. Public tributes emphasised his integrity, patriotism, and humility. At the time of his death, the Vice President of Nigeria described him as a “statesman of great repute, a humble and patriotic Nigerian and a great philanthropist, dedicated to unity and peaceful coexistence.”
Jibrin’s career exemplifies the contributions of military officers who transitioned into governance while maintaining ethical standards, and who continued to serve the nation in various capacities after retirement. His principled resignation from the governorship demonstrates a commitment to values over personal ambition, and his subsequent engagement in development programmes, industry, and Islamic community leadership reflects a life dedicated to service and national progress.
His story provides insight into Nigeria’s post-independence military and administrative evolution, highlighting how professional discipline, technical expertise, and ethical leadership contributed to the nation’s institutional stability. Usman Jibrin remains a model of military professionalism and civic responsibility, whose contributions to governance, development, and community welfare continue to be remembered.
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Author’s Note
This account presents a historically accurate biography of Usman Jibrin, highlighting Jibrin’s career as a Nigerian Air Force officer, military governor of Kaduna State, and later contributor to national development and Islamic community leadership. His life exemplifies principled leadership and public service.
Reference:
“I resigned as governor with N300 in my account – Group Captain Usman Jibrin (rtd).” Daily Trust.
“Late Jibrin Was A Statesman – Sambo.” Nigeria A-Z Online.
“NSCIA mourns Jibrin, ex-Kaduna military governor.” Vanguard.
“Group Capt. Usman Jibrin, An Airforce Pioneer Passes On.” Beegeagle Blog.
