The Bursar of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Mallam Nasiru Gusau Marafa, has been shot dead in Zamfara State.
The university announced his death in a statement issued on Sunday, September 6, 2026, by its Registrar and Secretary to Council, Oladipo Ajayi.
According to the statement, Marafa was reportedly shot while 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 said.
“According to information available to the University, Mallam Nasiru Gusau Marafa was reportedly shot while returning from Gusau.”
Marafa was appointed Bursar of NOUN on September 17, 2022, for a five-year tenure scheduled to end in September 2027.
The university described him as a dedicated and committed administrator who served meritoriously and held various positions of responsibility throughout his career.
Ajayi said Marafa’s death was a profound loss to the university community, describing him as “a distinguished colleague, dedicated administrator and valued member of the NOUN family.”
The university expressed condolences to his immediate family, relatives, friends, colleagues and others mourning his death.
It added that details of the burial arrangements would be communicated once released by the deceased’s 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.
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