02/08/2026
Dr. Umar Sani Bebeji: A Tribute
There are moments in life that remind us just how fragile our existence is. One such moment came on a quiet weekend when I had decided to stay back after a demanding week instead of travelling.
At about 9:30 a.m., while going through my phone, I came across Dr. Umar's WhatsApp status. Posted at exactly 9:01 a.m., it showed him smiling alongside his Faculty Dean after a game they had just played. My immediate thought was, "Our Chairman is back." I made a mental note to find time to discuss with him an emerging issue concerning the late pickup of pupils by some parents so we could agree on the best way forward before resumption, I never imagined that the angel of death will meet him before I do.
A few minutes after 10:00 a.m., I received a call from the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Budget and Planning, who also serves as the Secretary of our Parent-Teachers' Forum. His first question was simply, "Is it true?" Confused, I asked, "What is true?". He told me he had seen a Facebook post announcing that Dr. Umar had passed away. It seemed impossible. How could someone who had shared a cheerful update barely an hour earlier be gone? After making a few calls, the heartbreaking news was confirmed. In that moment, we were all reminded that the distance between life and death is but a single breath. One moment, we are making plans for tomorrow; the next, our story on earth has come to an end.
I first met the late Dr. Umar in 2024 when he visited Macaw & Quetzal School to enroll his child. After exchanging pleasantries, he said something that has remained with me ever since:
"I taught the founder at ABU, and I know that anything that comes from him will not be short of excellence."
Those words reflected the confidence he had in our vision. He enrolled his child and remained one of the most understanding, supportive, and respectful parents in our school community.
When the idea of establishing a Parent-Teachers' Forum was conceived, his name naturally came up to lead it. The general forum unanimously ratified his appointment as Chairman on 8th November 2025 for a two-year tenure. From then on, I had the privilege of working closely with him.
Dr. Umar was a gentleman in every sense of the word; calm, approachable, humble, and always wearing a warm smile. As a lecturer and, until his demise, the Assistant Dean of the Faculty of Law, ABU Zaria, his life was devoted to nurturing and mentoring others. He was always willing to listen, offer wise counsel, and seek balanced solutions. Under his leadership, the Parent-Teachers' Forum Executive Committee became a dependable bridge between parents and the school management, fostering trust, cooperation, and mutual understanding.
Our last conversation was on Thursday, 16th July 2026. I had called to confirm his attendance at our End-of-Year Speech and Prize Giving Ceremony. He politely informed me that he was away performing the Lesser Hajj (Umrah) and requested that the Forum Secretary represent him. Little did I know that those would be the last words we would ever exchange.
His passing has left a void that will be deeply felt, not only by his family and colleagues but by the entire Macaw & Quetzal School community. Yet, even in grief, we remain grateful to Allah for the opportunity to have known and worked with such an exceptional man. His humility, wisdom, kindness, and unwavering commitment to excellence will continue to inspire us. We can only pray that we remain faithful to the values he upheld and the trust he placed in us.
May Almighty Allah (SWT), in His infinite mercy, forgive his shortcomings, expand and illuminate his grave, admit him into Jannatul Firdaus, grant his family the strength and patience to bear this irreparable loss, and make his legacy one that continues to benefit him as a lasting charity.
Indeed, to Allah we belong, and to Him we shall all return.
Anas Abdussalam
Director HR/ICT
Macaw and Quetzal Schools Kaduna
