NOUN bursar shot dead in Zamfara

Nasiru Marafa, the bursar of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), is dead.

Oladipo Ajayi, NOUN registrar and secretary to council, announced Marafa’s death in a statement on Sunday, saying he was reportedly shot while returning from Gusau, 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.”

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 of the university, who served the institution meritoriously and occupied various positions of responsibility during his career.

He said Marafa’s demise is a profound loss to the university community, describing him as “a distinguished colleague, dedicated administrator and valued member of the NOUN family.”

The registrar extended the university’s condolences to Marafa’s immediate family, relatives, friends, colleagues and others mourning his death.

He also said further information on the burial arrangements would be communicated once 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,” the statement added.