NMS Exba Mourns The Tragic Passing Of Its Director Of Socials/Welfare, Ex-boy Dr Umar Sani Bebeji, And Ex-boy Nura Abubakar

It is with profound sorrow and an indescribably heavy heart that the National President of the NMS Ex-Boys Association, Ex-Boy Mohammed Baba Marte, announces the tragic passing of our beloved Director of Socials and Welfare, Ex-Boy Dr Umar Sani Bebeji, who died alongside his classmate and dear friend, Ex-Boy Nura Abubakar, both of the illustrious NMS 95 Set.

This heartbreaking loss has cast a dark shadow over what was meant to be a joyful reunion. The NMS 95 Set had only yesterday commenced activities marking their 25th Anniversary Celebration in Kaduna and were scheduled to hold their Reunion and Annual General Meeting after the Passing Out Parade taking place today at the Nigerian Military School, Zaria.

Tragically, while travelling to the School for the event, the bus conveying some members of the Set was involved in a fatal road traffic accident. The unfortunate incident claimed the lives of Ex-Boy Dr Umar Sani Bebeji and Ex-Boy Nura Abubakar, while several other Ex-Boys sustained injuries and are currently receiving treatment at the Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Shika. The Association fervently prays for their speedy and complete recovery.

Reacting to the devastating news, the National President, Ex-Boy Mohammed Baba Marte, said:

“Today is one of the darkest days in the history of our Association. With an extremely heavy heart, I announce the passing of two of our dear brothers, Ex-Boy Dr Umar Sani Bebeji and Ex-Boy Nura Abubakar. This is not merely the loss of two Ex-Boys; it is the loss of two committed patriots whose lives were dedicated to service, brotherhood, and the advancement of our alma mater.

Dr Umar Sani Bebeji was more than our Director of Socials and Welfare; he was a dependable pillar of this Association, a reservoir of knowledge, an exceptional intellectual, a selfless leader, and a mentor whose passion for the Nigerian Military School knew no bounds. His contributions to the growth of our Association, the mentorship of younger Ex-Boys, and the academic development of our School can never be forgotten.

It is particularly heartbreaking that this tragedy occurred while they were journeying to the Nigerian Military School to celebrate the silver jubilee of their Set and witness the Passing Out Parade. What should have been a moment of joy has suddenly become a season of mourning.

On behalf of the National Executive Council and the entire NMS Ex-Boys Association worldwide, I extend our deepest condolences to the families of our departed brothers, the NMS 95 Set, and all those affected by this tragic accident. We also pray for the quick recovery of our brothers currently receiving treatment.

Though their voices have been silenced, their legacy of service, sacrifice, and brotherhood will continue to resonate within our Association for generations to come. May Almighty Allah (SWT) forgive their shortcomings, grant them Al-Jannatul Firdaus, and give us all the strength to bear this painful and irreparable loss. Ameen.”

Ex-Boy Dr Umar Sani Bebeji was a distinguished legal scholar, an accomplished administrator, and one of the finest ambassadors of the Nigerian Military School. Until his demise, he served as the Assistant Dean, Faculty of Law, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.

His journey of dedicated service to the Association began in 2011 when he was nominated into the Steering Committee of the Kaduna State Chapter, a process that culminated in his emergence as a member of the first elected Executive Committee of the Chapter. Since then, he remained one of the most dependable, active, and committed members of the Association.

As the National Director of Socials and Welfare, he discharged his responsibilities with remarkable diligence and selflessness. He also served as the Secretary General of the NMS 95 Set, where he played a central role in coordinating the activities and unity of his classmates.

His love for the Nigerian Military School transcended mere affiliation. He was deeply committed to the intellectual growth of the School and consistently volunteered his time and expertise for career lectures, mentorship programmes, and academic capacity-building initiatives aimed at preparing younger Boys for leadership and national service. Ironically, he was scheduled to participate in the Induction Ceremony of the Passing Out Boys tomorrow, another opportunity to inspire the next generation of Ex-Boys. Sadly, fate had other plans.

The Association also mourns the painful loss of Ex-Boy Nura Abubakar, whose passing alongside his classmate has further deepened the grief of the entire Ex-Boys family.

The NMS Ex-Boys Association extends its heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, the NMS 95 Set, the management and staff of Ahmadu Bello University, the Nigerian Military School community, and Ex-Boys across the world.

The remains of the late Ex-Boy Dr Umar Sani Bebeji have arrived in Kaduna. His Jana’iza will be held today, Saturday, 1 August 2026, by 2:30 pm at the Late Alhaji Ahmadu Chanchangi Mosque, Kwanar Chanchangi, Tudun Wada, Kaduna.
Funeral arrangements for Ex-Boy Nura Abubakar will be communicated in due course.

Their memories will forever remain etched in our hearts. Their services to humanity, to the Association, and to the Nigerian Military School will continue to inspire generations yet unborn.

Ex-Boy Izaddin Chafe
Director of Publicity/PRO
NMS ExBA
1 Aug 2026