The Bursar of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Mallam Nasiru Gusau Marafa, has been shot dead in Zamfara State.

The university announced his death in a statement issued on Sunday, September 6, 2026, by its Registrar and Secretary to Council, Oladipo Ajayi.

According to the university, Marafa was reportedly shot while returning from Gusau, the Zamfara State capital. NOUN did not disclose the exact location of the incident, the circumstances surrounding the shooting or the identity of those responsible.

“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,” the university said.

The university described Marafa as a dedicated and committed staff member who served the institution in various capacities during his career.

Marafa was appointed Bursar of NOUN on September 17, 2022, for a five-year tenure. Official university records also identified him as the institution’s Bursar in its list of principal officers.

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

“The entire University community mourns the passing of a distinguished colleague, dedicated administrator and valued member of the NOUN family,” the statement said.

The institution extended its condolences to Marafa’s immediate family, relatives, friends, colleagues and members of the wider NOUN community.

The university also said further information concerning his burial arrangements would be communicated by the family.

The killing comes amid persistent security challenges in Zamfara and other parts of Nigeria’s North-West, where armed attacks and kidnappings have continued to pose a threat to residents and travellers.

However, NOUN did not state whether Marafa’s death was connected to banditry or any particular criminal group.

In a subsequent notice, the university announced a Janaza Ga’ib prayer for Marafa at the NOUN Jumaat Mosque in Jabi, Abuja, scheduled for Monday, September 7, immediately after the 1:30 p.m. Zuhr prayer.

Marafa’s death has been met with mourning within the university community as colleagues and management remember an administrator who spent years serving the institution.