Mallam Nasiru Gusau Marafa, the Burser of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) has been killed by yet to be identified gunmen in Zamfara State.
The NOUN confirmed the killing in a statement issued on Sunday and signed by Oladipo Adetayo Ajayi, the Registrar & Secretary to Council of the university.
According to the statement, the Registrar was shot dead while returning from his home town, Gusau the Zamfara State capital.
“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.
The university noted that the demise of the bursar whom it described as a “dedicated and committed staff member” was devastating to the institution.
The statement reads in part:
“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
“According to information available to the University, Mallam Nasiru Gusau Marafa was reportedly shot while returning from Gusau.
“Mallam Nasiru Gusau Marafa was a dedicated and committed staff member of the University who served the institution meritoriously and occupied various positions of responsibility and authority during his career. He was appointed Bursar of the National Open University of Nigeria in September 2022, a position 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.
“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. We pray that the Almighty Allah grants the family and the entire University community the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.
“Further information concerning the burial arrangements 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.
At press time, the Zamfara State Police Command and the Zamfara State Government have not made any comment on the incident.