One Year Without Rt. Hon. Murjanatu Zubairu: A Tribute to a Fallen Star

These poignant lyrics from Wiz Khalifa’s See You Again echo in the hearts of the graduating class of the Nigeria Universities Education Students Association (NUESA), University of Abuja Chapter, as they mark one year since the tragic loss of their beloved 9th Assembly Speaker, Rt. Hon. Murjanatu Zubairu. Her absence casts a shadow over what should have been a season of celebration, as her course mates, now donning the khaki uniforms of NYSC, grapple with the void she left behind.

Murjanatu, a radiant leader and a beacon of hope, was taken too soon in a devastating accident that claimed her life on April 30, 2024. The news sent shockwaves through the University of Abuja’s sprawling campus, where her voice once resonated in lecture halls and assembly debates. Known for her eloquence, compassion, and unwavering commitment to her peers, she was more than a speaker—she was a sister, a friend, a dreamer whose aspirations to shape Nigeria’s education landscape inspired all who knew her.

“We’ve come a long way from where we began / Oh, I’ll tell you all about it when I see you again…”

Her course mates, now graduates, carry the weight of her absence as they navigate the NYSC camps where Murjanatu should have been. They see her in the parade grounds, where her infectious laughter would have lit up the morning drills. They hear her in the late-night discussions, where her wisdom would have guided debates. The longing in their eyes is palpable—a quiet ache for the milestones she was meant to share: the NYSC passing-out parade, the first job offer, the dreams of a brighter future. Instead, they mourn a life cut short, a star extinguished before its time.

The accident that stole Murjanatu was a cruel twist of fate. On that fateful day, she was traveling to Gwagwalada mini campus hostel, her heart full of plans, when tragedy struck. The details remain a painful blur, but the impact lingers—a reminder of life’s fragility. Her loss reverberated beyond NUESA, touching every corner of the university’s 30,000-strong community. Faculty of education mourned a brilliant student; friends, a confidante; and the Educational foundation Department, a future leader whose potential was limitless.

“How could we not talk about family when family’s all that we got? / Everything I went through, you were standing there by my side…”

Murjanatu was family to her course mates. As Speaker, she championed their causes, from better learning conditions to amplifying student voices. Her leadership was a bridge, uniting diverse perspectives with grace. Now, as her peers graduate, they carry her legacy forward, their resolve strengthened by her memory. They speak of her in hushed tones, sharing stories of her courage and kindness, vowing to honor her by pursuing the excellence she embodied.

“And now you gon’ be with me for the last ride…”

One year on, the pain of Murjanatu’s absence remains raw, but so does the love she inspired. Her course mates, now scattered across NYSC camps, hold her close in their hearts. They see her in every sunrise, feel her in every step toward their dreams. The University of Abuja community joins them in this tribute, remembering a leader whose light continues to shine, even in death.

As Wiz Khalifa sings, “When I see you again,” we hold onto the hope that Murjanatu’s spirit watches, guiding her peers through their journeys. Rest in peace, Rt. Hon. Murjanatu Zubairu. Your legacy endures, and we will tell you all about it when we see you again.