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

The university made the disclosure in an official notice issued by its Registrar and Secretary to Council, Oladipo Adetayo Ajayi, on Tuesday, following the reported death of the senior administrator on Sunday, September 6, 2026.

According to the notice, Marafa’s death was sudden and untimely, with the university saying information available to it indicated that he was shot while on his way back from Gusau. No further details were provided on the circumstances surrounding the shooting or the identity of those responsible.

The development has thrown the NOUN community into mourning, with the institution describing Marafa as a dedicated and committed staff member who served meritoriously and held various positions of responsibility during his career.

Marafa was appointed Bursar of NOUN in September 2022 and, according to the university, assumed the position with a strong sense of duty and commitment to the advancement of the institution.

The university described his death as a “profound loss” to its community, mourning him as a distinguished colleague, dedicated administrator and valued member of the NOUN family.

NOUN extended its condolences to his immediate family, relatives, friends, colleagues and other mourners, while praying to Almighty Allah to grant them the strength to bear the loss.

The university said details of his burial arrangements would be communicated when released by the family. It also prayed for the forgiveness of his shortcomings and for Allah to grant him Al-Jannah Firdaus.