By Samuel Ike, Abuja

The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) has announced the death of its University Bursar, Mallam Nasiru Gusau Marafa, who was reportedly shot while returning from Gusau, Zamfara State, on Sunday, September 6, 2026.

The university confirmed his death in a statement issued on Sunday by its Registrar and Secretary to Council, Oladipo Adetayo Ajayi. NOUN described Marafa’s death as sudden and untimely, but said details surrounding the incident remained unclear.

“According to information available to the University, Mallam Nasiru Gusau Marafa was reportedly shot while returning from Gusau,” the statement said. The institution did not disclose where the shooting occurred, identify the suspected attackers or provide further details about the circumstances of the incident.

Marafa was described by the university as a dedicated administrator who served the institution meritoriously and held several positions of responsibility throughout his career. NOUN said he was appointed University Bursar in September 2026, shortly before his death.

The university described his passing as a profound loss to the institution and extended its condolences to his immediate family, relatives, friends, colleagues and members of the NOUN community mourning his death.

NOUN said details of the burial arrangements would be communicated after they are released by the family. The university prayed that Allah would grant the bereaved family and the entire university community the strength to bear the loss, forgive Marafa’s shortcomings and grant him Al-Jannah Firdaus.