The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) has announced the sudden death of its University Bursar, Mallam Nasiru Gusau Marafa, who was reportedly shot while returning from Gusau, Zamfara State.
The National Open University of Nigeria community has been thrown into mourning following the death of its University Bursar, Mallam Nasiru Gusau Marafa.
According to an official notice issued by the University on Sunday, 6 September 2026, Marafa died suddenly after he was reportedly shot while returning from Gusau.
The announcement was signed by the Registrar and Secretary to Council, Oladipo Adetayo Ajayi, on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Governing Council, Management, Senate, staff and students of the University.
NOUN described the late Bursar as a dedicated and committed member of staff who served the institution meritoriously and occupied several positions of responsibility during his career.
Marafa became University Bursar in September 2022 and was serving a five-year tenure expected to run until September 2027.
The University described his sudden passing as a profound loss, noting his commitment to the growth and administration of the institution.
NOUN also extended its condolences to his immediate family, relatives, friends, colleagues and members of the University community.
At the time of this report, the University had not disclosed the exact location of the shooting or identified those responsible for the attack. Further details surrounding the incident are therefore still awaited from the relevant authorities.
NOUN Community in Mourning
The death of Mallam Nasiru Gusau Marafa is particularly significant to the NOUN community because of his role in overseeing the financial administration of one of Nigeria's largest universities.
Students, staff, alumni and other members of the University community have been expressing condolences following the announcement.
NOUN prayed that Almighty Allah would forgive the deceased, grant him Al-Jannah Firdaus and give his family, friends, colleagues and the entire University community the strength to bear the loss.
NOUN UPDATE joins the National Open University of Nigeria community in mourning the passing of Mallam Nasiru Gusau Marafa and extends sincere condolences to his family, colleagues, friends and loved ones.
May his soul rest in peace.
NOUN UPDATE will update this report should the University, his family or relevant security authorities release further verified information concerning the circumstances of his death.
