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From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
The Bursar of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Mallam Nasiru Gusau Marafa, has been shot dead by gunmen along the Gusau-Marafa road in Zamfara State.
Marafa was reportedly attacked and shot while returning from Gusau on Sunday, September 6, 2026, throwing the university community into mourning.
NOUN, in an official notice of his death signed by the Registrar and Secretary to Council, Oladipo Adetayo Ajayi, confirmed that the university received information that its Bursar was shot while returning from Gusau.
The university did not, however, disclose the identity of the attackers or provided details on whether the assailants were kidnappers, bandits or armed robbers.
The killing adds to concerns over the security situation along major roads in Zamfara, where travellers have continued to face threats from armed criminal elements.
Meanwhile, the sudden death of the senior university official sent shockwaves through NOUN, with the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Uduma Oji Uduma, expressing condolences on behalf of the Governing Council, Management, Senate, staff and students.
Marafa, according to the university, was a dedicated and committed administrator who served the institution meritoriously and held various positions of responsibility during his career.
Mallam Nasiru Marafa assumed office on September 17, 2022, taking over a five-year tenure from the former bursar, Mr. Ernest Odeigah.
NOUN described his death as a “profound loss” to the institution, mourning him as a distinguished colleague, dedicated administrator and valued member of the university community.
The university extended its condolences to his immediate family, relatives, friends, colleagues and others affected by the tragedy.
It also prayed that Almighty Allah grant the family and the university community the fortitude to bear the loss.
The university prayed that Allah forgive Marafa’s shortcomings, grant him Al-Jannah Firdaus and give his family, friends, colleagues and the entire NOUN community the strength to endure the painful loss.
