Nasiru Gusau Marafa, the Bursar of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), has been killed in Zamfara State.
Oladipo Ajayi, the university’s Registrar and Secretary to the Governing Council, confirmed Marafa’s death in a statement issued on Sunday, September 6, 2026.
According to the university, Marafa was reportedly shot while returning from Gusau, the Zamfara State capital. The circumstances surrounding the shooting were not disclosed in the statement.
“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,” Ajayi said.
Marafa was appointed Bursar of NOUN on September 17, 2022, for a five-year tenure that was expected to end in September 2027.
The Registrar described him as a committed staff member who served the university in various positions of responsibility during his career.
Ajayi said Marafa’s death was a major loss to the university community and extended condolences to his family, relatives, friends and colleagues.
The university said details of his burial would be announced after arrangements are finalised by his family.
The institution prayed for the repose of Marafa’s soul and for strength for his family and members of the university community mourning his death.
