By Opeyemi Adelakun
The National Open University of Nigeria, NOUN, has been thrown into mourning following the reported killing of its Bursar, Mallam Nasiru Gusau Marafa, in Zamfara State.
Marafa was reportedly shot while returning from Gusau on Sunday, September 6, 2026, according to information released by the university.
The university’s Registrar and Secretary to Council, Oladipo Ajayi, announced the death in an official statement issued on Sunday and published on NOUN’s Facebook page.
“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.
It added: “According to information available to the University, Mallam Nasiru Gusau Marafa was reportedly shot while returning from Gusau.”
Senior university official killed
Marafa had served as NOUN’s Bursar since September 2022, having previously occupied various positions of responsibility within the university.
Reacting to his death, the institution described him as a “dedicated and committed staff member” and said his passing represented a major loss to the university community.
“The entire University community mourns the passing of a distinguished colleague, dedicated administrator and valued member of the NOUN family,” the statement added.
The university expressed sympathy to his family, relatives, friends, colleagues and other members of the NOUN community.
The circumstances surrounding the reported shooting were not detailed in the university’s announcement.
NOUN schedules special prayer
Following the announcement of Marafa’s death, the university scheduled a Janaza Ga’ib prayer in his honour.
The prayer is expected to hold on Monday, September 7, immediately after the 1:30pm Zuhr prayer at the NOUN Jumaat Mosque in Jabi, Abuja.
A notice signed by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Administration, Professor Shehu Usman Adamu, said 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.
NOUN Vice-Chancellor, Professor Uduma Oji Uduma, is also expected to offer condolences to members of the Muslim community.
The institution urged Marafa’s relatives, friends, colleagues and well-wishers to attend the prayer and pray for the repose of his soul.
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