*The late Mallam Nasiru Gusau Marafa.
The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) has announced the death of its University Bursar, Mallam Nasiru Gusau Marafa, who was reportedly shot dead while returning from Gusau, Zamfara State.
The university disclosed this in an official notice signed by its Registrar and Secretary to Council, Oladipo Adetayo Ajayi, on Sunday. According to the notice, Marafa died on Sunday, September 6, 2026, in what the university described as a sudden and untimely death.
“According to information available to the University, Mallam Nasiru Gusau Marafa was reportedly shot while returning from Gusau,” the notice stated. The university did not provide further details on the circumstances surrounding the shooting or identify the perpetrators.
Marafa was described as a dedicated and committed staff member who served the university meritoriously and held various positions of responsibility during his career. He was appointed Bursar of NOUN in September 2026, according to the university. The university said his death was a “profound loss” to the institution, describing him as a “distinguished colleague, dedicated administrator and valued member of the NOUN family.”
“The entire University community mourns the passing of a distinguished colleague, dedicated administrator and valued member of the NOUN family,” the statement said. The university extended its condolences to his immediate family, relatives, friends, colleagues and others mourning his death. It prayed that Allah would grant the family and the university community the strength to bear the loss.
NOUN said further information on the burial arrangements would be communicated when details are released by the family. The university also prayed that Allah forgive Marafa’s shortcomings and grant him Al-Jannah Firdaus.
See the full statement below:
NATIONAL OPEN UNIVERSITY OF NIGERIA
OFFICE OF THE REGISTRAR
OFFICIAL NOTICE OF THE PASSING OF THE UNIVERSITY BURSAR
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.
According to information available to the University, Mallam Nasiru Gusau Marafa was reportedly shot while returning from Gusau.
Mallam Nasiru Gusau Marafa was a dedicated and committed staff member of the University who served the institution meritoriously and occupied various positions of responsibility and authority during his career. He was appointed Bursar of the National Open University of Nigeria in September 2022, a position he assumed with a strong sense of duty and commitment to the advancement of the University.
His sudden demise is a profound loss to the University community. The entire University community mourns the passing of a distinguished colleague, dedicated administrator and valued member of the NOUN family.
At this period of grief, the University extends its deepest condolences to his immediate family, relatives, friends, colleagues and all those who mourn this monumental loss. We pray that the Almighty Allah grants the family and the entire University community the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.
Further information concerning the burial arrangements will be communicated as soon as details 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.
May his soul rest in perfect peace.
Oladipo Adetayo Ajayi
Registrar & Secretary to Council
Signed