NOUN in mourning as Bursar is shot dead in Zamfara

By Ayorinde Oluokun

The management and staff of National Open University of Nigeria, NOUN have been thrown into mourning following the killing of the institution’s bursar, Mallam Nasiru Gusau Marafa, while returning in Gusau, Zamfara State.

Marafa was shot dead early today, Sunday, 6th September 2026 while returning from Gusau, Oladipo Adetayo Ajayi, Registrar & Secretary to Council NOUN said in statement while announcing the tragic incident on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, the Governing Council, Management, Senate, Staff and Students of the University.

The University, in the statement described Marafa as a dedicated and committed staff member who served the institution meritoriously and occupied various positions of responsibility and authority during his career.

According to the statement, the deceased was appointed Bursar of the National Open University of Nigeria in September 2026, a position which, the institution said, he assumed with a strong sense of duty and commitment to the advancement of the University.

“His sudden demise is a profound 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,” NOUN said

In the statement, the University extended its deepest condolences to the immediate family, relatives, friends, colleagues and all those mourning the loss of Marafa

It also prayed that the Almighty Allah will grant the family and the entire University community the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.

NOUN added that further information concerning the burial arrangements of the late bursar will be communicated as soon as details are released by the family.

“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,” NOUN management concluded in the statement.

Dear Vows