Bandits have shot NOUN the bursar of the NOUN Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Mallam Nasiru Marafa while returning from Gusau, Zamfara State.
The incident was confirmed by NOUN in a statement issued on Sunday by its Registrar and Secretary to Council, Oladipo Ajayi, describing the passing of Maraf as sudden and untimely.
The university, however, did not disclose where the shooting occurred or provide details about the circumstances surrounding the incident.
According to the statement, Marafa was returning from Gusau when he was reportedly shot.
“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 said.
NOUN described the deceased as a dedicated and committed staff member who served the institution in various positions of responsibility throughout his career.
The university said Marafa was appointed Bursar in September 2026 and assumed office with “a strong sense of duty and commitment to the advancement of the University.”
His death, it added, had 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 university said in a statement posted on its X handle.
The institution extended its condolences to Marafa’s immediate family, relatives, friends, colleagues and others affected by his death.
It said details of his burial arrangements would be communicated after they were released by the family.
As of Sunday, no further information had been provided by the university on the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
