The Bursar of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Mallam Nasiru Gusau Marafa, has reportedly been shot dead in Zamfara State.
NOUN announced his death in an official notice issued on Sunday, September 6, 2026, by the Registrar and Secretary to Council, Oladipo Ajayi, and published on the university’s Facebook page.
According to the university, Marafa was reportedly shot while returning from Gusau.
“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 in September 2022 after serving in various positions of responsibility within the university. He remained in the position until his death.
The university described him as a “dedicated and committed staff member” and said his passing was a profound loss to the institution.
“The entire University community mourns the passing of a distinguished colleague, dedicated administrator and valued member of the NOUN family,” the statement added.
NOUN expressed its condolences to Marafa’s family, relatives, friends, colleagues and members of the university community.
In a subsequent notice, the university announced a Janaza Ga’ib prayer for the deceased, scheduled for Monday, September 7, immediately after the 1:30 p.m. Zuhr prayer at the NOUN Jumaat Mosque in Jabi, Abuja.
The notice, signed by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Administration, Prof. Shehu Usman Adamu, stated that former Bauchi State Governor and Chairman of the NOUN Governing Council, Malam Isa Yuguda, OFR, would join other Muslim faithful in offering prayers for the deceased.
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Uduma Oji Uduma, is also expected to offer his condolences to the Muslim community.
The university urged family members, friends, colleagues and other well-wishers to attend the prayer and pray for the repose of Marafa’s soul.
