THE National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) has announced the tragic death of its Bursar, Nasiru Marafa, who was shot dead while returning from Gusau, Zamfara State.
The university confirmed his passing in a statement issued on Sunday and signed by its Registrar and Secretary to Council, Oladipo Ajayi.
According to the university, Marafa was reportedly shot while returning from Gusau, although the institution did not disclose where the incident occurred or provide further details about the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
“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 Marafa,” the statement read.
The university described Marafa as a “dedicated and committed staff member” who served the institution in various positions of responsibility during his career.
He was appointed Bursar of the university in September 2026, where he assumed the role with “a strong sense of duty and commitment to the advancement of the University,” the statement added.
NOUN described his passing as a “profound loss” to the institution, adding that his death has thrown the university community into mourning.
“The entire University community mourns the passing of a distinguished colleague, dedicated administrator and valued member of the NOUN family,” the statement posted on the school’s X handle read.
The university extended its condolences to Marafa’s immediate family, relatives, friends, colleagues and others affected by his death.
It also said further information concerning his burial arrangements would be communicated once details were released by the family.
As of the time of this report, no further details had been provided on the circumstances of the shooting.
The killing has raised renewed concerns about the deteriorating security situation in parts of the country, particularly in the Northwest region where banditry and other forms of criminality have become rampant.
Zamfara State has been one of the epicentres of bandit attacks and kidnappings in recent years, with security forces struggling to contain the violence despite ongoing military operations.
Authorities are yet to issue a statement on the incident or indicate whether any arrests have been made. Further details are expected as investigations commence.
