NSUK Holds Candlelight Procession and Memorial in Honour of Late Nollywood Actor and Scholar, Francis Duru

The academic and student community of Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK), has held a candlelight procession and memorial programme in honour of late veteran Nollywood actor and scholar at the Institute for Strategic Development Communication (ISDEVCOM), Chief Francis Ogide Duru, who died on October 23, 2026, at the age of 57.

The solemn event, held on Saturday, October 31, 2026, brought together lecturers, students, colleagues, friends and family members to celebrate his life and reflect on his contributions to the Nigerian film industry and the university community.

Participants gathered at the university's main gate before proceeding in a candlelight procession to the Institute of Strategic and Development Communication (ISDEVCOM), where the memorial programme took place.

The event opened with a briefing on the significance of the candlelight procession, delivered by Dr. Ephraim Okon, followed by a welcome address from the Acting Director of ISDEVCOM, Dr. Daniel James Chikada.

Among the distinguished personalities present were the pioneer Director of ISDEVCOM, Professor Emmanuel Samu Dandaura, and veteran Nollywood actress Hajia Lantana Ahmed, alongside other notable dignitaries.

Delivering a reflective charge, the ISDEVCOM postgraduate coordinator and former Chaplain of the Chapel of Salvation, NSUK, Professor Abraham David, urged participants to reflect on the inevitability of death and the importance of living purposeful and impactful lives.

He highlighted forgiveness, persistent prayer and maintaining a peaceful relationship with the Creator as important lessons that could be drawn from the passing of the late actor and scholar.

Speaking on behalf of the university community, Professor Charles Amende said Duru's inspiring performances had motivated numerous young people within the institution and would continue to influence future generations.

A childhood schoolmate and lifelong friend of the deceased also shared memories of their relationship, describing him as a loyal confidant who had a strong passion for discovering and nurturing young creative talents.

The memorial featured emotional testimonies from students and family members who had been positively impacted by the late actor.

One of the students, Dorcas, tearfully described Duru as a father figure who was always available to offer guidance, encouragement and support. She disclosed that she had been preparing to host a creative event at which the late actor was scheduled to speak before his death.

Speaking on behalf of the bereaved family, his son, Ebuka Duru, expressed the family's profound grief, explaining that his father's death had created an immense void that they were still struggling to comprehend.

The memorial concluded with participants lighting candles in a symbolic gesture of remembrance, honouring a life that made significant contributions to Nigeria's cultural and academic landscape.

The death of Chief Francis Duru has attracted widespread national mourning, with prominent leaders, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, paying tribute to his contributions to Nigeria's creative industry.

For the NSUK community, the candlelight procession and memorial provided an opportunity to celebrate his achievements, honour his memory and reflect on a legacy whose loss will be deeply felt by his family, the university and the Nigerian entertainment industry.