The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) has announced the death of its Bursar, Mallam Nasiru Gusau Marafa, who was reportedly shot while returning from Gusau, the Zamfara State capital.
NOUN Registrar and Secretary to Council, Oladipo Ajayi, announced Marafa’s death in a statement issued on Sunday, September 6, 2026, on behalf of the university’s Governing Council, Management, Senate, staff and students.
According to the university, Marafa died on Sunday after he was reportedly shot while returning from Gusau.
“According to information available to the University, Mallam Nasiru Gusau Marafa was reportedly shot while returning from Gusau.”
The university did not disclose the exact location of the shooting, the identity of the attackers or the circumstances that led to the incident.
It also did not state whether the shooting was connected to banditry or any particular criminal group.
NOUN described Marafa’s death as sudden and untimely, mourning him as a dedicated administrator who served the institution in several positions of responsibility.
“His sudden demise is a profound loss to the University community.”
Ajayi described the deceased as a “distinguished colleague, dedicated administrator and valued member of the NOUN family.”
Marafa had served as the university’s Bursar since his appointment on September 17, 2022, for a five-year tenure scheduled to run until September 2027. Earlier NOUN records also identified him in the position during official university activities in 2024.
His death therefore occurred before the scheduled completion of his tenure as Bursar.
NOUN extended its condolences to Marafa’s immediate family, relatives, friends, colleagues and members of the wider university community.
The institution said further information about his burial arrangements would be communicated once details were released by the family.
The university also prayed for Allah’s forgiveness for Marafa and asked for strength for his family, friends, colleagues and the entire NOUN community to bear the loss.
Marafa’s killing comes amid persistent security challenges in Zamfara State, where armed attacks and kidnappings have continued to affect residents and travellers. However, there is currently no official information linking his death to any particular armed group.
The circumstances surrounding the shooting remain subject to further clarification from the relevant security authorities or the deceased’s family.
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