Just-In! National Open University mourns gruesome murder of its Bursar, Marafa
By Sanni Abdullahi
The National Open University of Nigeria, NOUN, is in mourning following the sudden death of its Bursar, Mallam Nasiru Gusau Marafa, who was reportedly shot on Sunday while returning from Gusau.
The university announced the passing in an official statement signed by the Registrar and Secretary to Council, Oladipo Adetayo Ajayi, on Sunday, 6th September 2026.
“Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un,” the notice began. “The Vice-Chancellor, on behalf of the Governing Council, Management, Senate, Staff and Students of the National Open University of Nigeria, regrets to announce the sudden and untimely passing of the University Bursar, Mallam Nasiru Gusau Marafa, which occurred today, Sunday, 6th September 2026.”
According to information available to the university, Marafa was attacked while on his way back from Gusau, the Zamfara State capital. The statement did not provide further details on the circumstances of the shooting, and as of press time the university said it was awaiting more information from security authorities and the family.
Marafa was appointed Bursar of NOUN in September 2022. The university described him as a dedicated and committed staff member who served the institution meritoriously and occupied various positions of responsibility and authority during his career.
“His sudden demise is a profound loss to the University community,” the statement read.
“The entire University community mourns the passing of a distinguished colleague, dedicated administrator and valued member of the NOUN family.”
As Bursar, Marafa was the chief financial officer of Africa’s largest Open and Distance Learning institution. NOUN, with its headquarters in Abuja and over 90 study centres across the country, serves hundreds of thousands of students. The Bursar’s office oversees budgeting, treasury, payroll, procurement and financial controls for the university’s nationwide operations.
Colleagues who worked with Marafa over the past four years recalled him as a meticulous administrator who pushed for transparency in financial processes and for systems that could support NOUN’s expanding digital learning infrastructure.
Since assuming office in 2022, he was part of management efforts to strengthen revenue collection, audit compliance, and support for students in remote study centres.
The Registrar said the university extends its deepest condolences to Marafa’s immediate family, relatives, friends, colleagues and all those mourning the loss.
“At this period of grief, the University extends its deepest condolences to his immediate family, relatives, friends, colleagues and all those who mourn this monumental loss,” Ajayi stated, adding “We pray that the Almighty Allah grants the family and the entire University community the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.”
The university also offered prayers for the repose of the deceased.
According to the institution: “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. May his soul rest in perfect peace.”
News of the Bursar’s death has drawn condolences from staff across NOUN’s study centres. Many described the incident as a stark reminder of the security challenges facing public officials travelling across parts of the country. Academic and non-academic unions within the university are expected to issue separate statements in the coming days.
The university said it is working closely with the family on burial arrangements. “Further information concerning the burial arrangements will be communicated as soon as details are released by the family,” the Registrar noted.
Marafa’s death leaves a vacancy at the top of NOUN’s finance directorate at a critical time as the institution prepares its 2026/2027 budget and continues rollout of new e-learning platforms.
The Vice-Chancellor, on behalf of Council and Senate, has directed that flags at all NOUN campuses fly at half-mast for three days in honour of the late Bursar.
As the NOUN community grapples with the loss, tributes have continued to pour in on the university’s official channels, with staff and students remembering Marafa for his calm demeanor, accessibility, and commitment to service.
The University urged anyone with information on the incident to assist security agencies with their investigations
