Nasiru Gusau Marafa, the Bursar of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), has been shot dead in Zamfara State.
Marafa was reportedly killed on Sunday, September 6, 2026, while returning from Gusau, the state capital.
The university confirmed his death in a statement issued by its Registrar and Secretary to the Governing Council, Oladipo Ajayi.
According to the statement, Marafa’s death was sudden and occurred on Sunday.
“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.
The university said preliminary information available to it indicated that Marafa was shot while returning from Gusau.
“According to information available to the University, Mallam Nasiru Gusau Marafa was reportedly shot while returning from Gusau,” Ajayi said.
Marafa was appointed NOUN Bursar on September 17, 2022, for a five-year tenure that was expected to end in September 2027.
Before his death, he was described by the university as a dedicated administrator who served in various positions of responsibility and contributed significantly to the institution.
Ajayi described his death as a major loss to the university community, calling Marafa “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 affected by his death.
The university said details of his burial arrangements would be communicated after the family makes them available.
“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.
