The Bursar of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Mallam Nasiru Gusau Marafa, has been killed in a shooting incident in Zamfara State, throwing the university community into mourning.
NOUN confirmed Marafa’s death in an official statement issued on Sunday, September 6, 2026, and signed by the University Registrar and Secretary to Council, Oladipo Adetayo Ajayi, on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Governing Council, Management, Senate, staff and students.
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According to the university, Marafa was reportedly shot while returning from Gusau, the Zamfara State capital. The institution did not disclose the exact location of the incident, the circumstances leading to the shooting or the identity of those responsible.
Multiple reports published on Sunday also said the Bursar was killed in Zamfara while returning from Gusau. However, details surrounding the attack remained unclear as of the time of filing this report.
The university described the deceased as a “dedicated and committed” staff member who served the institution meritoriously and occupied several positions of responsibility during his career.
Marafa was appointed Bursar of NOUN on September 17, 2022, for a five-year tenure, according to a report by TheCable. His tenure was therefore expected to run until September 2027.
He was actively involved in the university’s operations and outreach activities. In May 2024, NOUN reported that Marafa visited study centres in Kaduna and Gusau to monitor the conduct of the university’s Pen-on-Paper examinations.
During the exercise, he stressed the need for compliance with examination regulations and the maintenance of academic standards.
NOUN described the development as a profound loss to the institution, mourning Marafa as a distinguished colleague, dedicated administrator and valued member of the university community.
“The entire University community mourns the passing of a distinguished colleague, dedicated administrator and valued member of the NOUN family,” the university said.
The institution extended its condolences to Marafa’s immediate family, relatives, friends, colleagues and others affected by his death, while praying for the strength to bear the loss.
The university said details of the burial arrangements would be communicated after they are released by the deceased’s family.
A separate report by Dateline Nigeria said a Janazah prayer had been scheduled for Monday, September 7, 2026, at the NOUN Jumu’ah Mosque in Jabi, Abuja, although the university’s official death notice said burial arrangements would be communicated later.
Marafa’s death comes amid continuing security concerns in Zamfara, where attacks by armed groups and other criminal elements have made travel on some roads particularly dangerous. However, the university has not said whether the killing was connected to banditry, robbery, kidnapping or any other motive.
The institution prayed that Almighty Allah forgive Marafa’s shortcomings, grant him Al-Jannah Firdaus and give his family, friends, colleagues and the entire NOUN community the fortitude to bear the loss.