The Bursar of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Nasiru Gusau Marafa, has been killed after he was reportedly shot while returning from Gusau, the Zamfara State capital.
The university’s Registrar and Secretary to the Governing Council, Oladipo Ajayi, announced Marafa’s death in a statement issued on Sunday, September 6, 2026.
According to the statement, Marafa was reportedly shot while on his way back from Gusau.
“The Vice-Chancellor, on behalf of the Governing Council, Management, Senate, Staff and Students of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), regrets to announce the sudden and untimely passing of the University Bursar, Mallam Nasiru Gusau Marafa, which occurred today, Sunday, 6th September 2026,” the statement read.
Marafa was appointed Bursar of the university on September 17, 2022, for a five-year tenure scheduled to end in September 2027.
Ajayi described the deceased as a dedicated and committed staff member who served the university meritoriously and held several positions of responsibility throughout his career.
He described Marafa’s death as a profound loss to the university community, referring to him as “a distinguished colleague, dedicated administrator and valued member of the NOUN family.”
The Registrar expressed condolences to Marafa’s immediate family, relatives, friends, colleagues and others mourning his passing.
He added that details of the burial arrangements would be communicated once they are released by the family.
“May the Almighty Allah forgive his shortcomings, grant him Al-Jannah Firdaus, and grant his family, friends, colleagues and the entire University community the strength to bear this painful loss,” the statement added.
