Nasiru Marafa, the bursar of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), has been reported dead.
According to a statement issued on Sunday by NOUN Registrar and Secretary to Council Oladipo Ajayi, gunmen reportedly shot Marafa while he was returning from Gusau, the Zamfara State capital.
“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 reads.
“According to information available to the University, Mallam Nasiru Gusau Marafa was reportedly shot while returning from Gusau.”
On September 17, 2022, Nasiru Marafa was appointed Noun bursar for a five-year term that would end in September 2027.
Ajayi described the deceased as a devoted and hardworking university employee who held several key positions throughout his career.
He called Marafa “a distinguished colleague, dedicated administrator, and valued member of the NOUN family,” adding that his death represents a great loss to the university community.
The registrar extended the university’s condolences to Marafa’s family, close friends, colleagues and others mourning his death.
Additionally, he stated that as the family releases specifics, more information about the burial plans would be shared.
“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.
