The Bursar of the National Open University of Nigeria, Mallam Nasiru Gusau Marafa, has reportedly been shot dead in Zamfara State.
NOUN announced his death in a statement issued on Sunday by its Registrar and Secretary to Council, Oladipo Ajayi, and posted on the university’s official Facebook page.
According to the statement, Marafa was reportedly shot while returning from Gusau on Sunday, September 6, 2026.
“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,” the statement said.
Marafa was appointed Bursar of NOUN in September 2022 after serving in various positions at the university.
Describing him as a “dedicated and committed staff member,” the university said his death was a “profound loss” to the institution and extended condolences to his family, friends, colleagues and the wider NOUN community.
NOUN also announced a Janaza Ga’ib prayer for the deceased on Monday, September 7, immediately after the 1:30pm Zuhr prayer at the NOUN Jumaat Mosque, Jabi, Abuja.
The prayer is expected to be attended by former Bauchi State Governor and Chairman of the NOUN Governing Council, Malam Isa Yuguda, while Vice-Chancellor Prof. Uduma Oji Uduma is also expected to offer condolences to the Muslim community.
The university urged family members, friends, colleagues and well-wishers to attend the prayer and pray for the deceased.