The Bursar of the National Open University of Nigeria, NOUN, Nasiru Gusau Marafa, has been shot dead in Zamfara State.
Marafa was reportedly killed while returning from Gusau, the Zamfara State capital, in an incident that has thrown the university community into mourning.
The university’s Registrar and Secretary to the Governing Council, Oladipo Ajayi, confirmed the death in a statement issued on Sunday.
NOUN confirms Bursar’s death
In the statement, Ajayi announced the death of the university’s Bursar on behalf of the institution’s management and governing council.
“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 statement said.
Marafa was reportedly shot while travelling from Gusau, although further details about the circumstances surrounding the incident were not immediately disclosed.
The incident has raised concerns among members of the university community and others who knew the deceased.
Marafa appointed NOUN Bursar in 2022
Marafa was appointed Bursar of NOUN on September 17, 2022, for a five-year tenure scheduled to end in September 2027.
His death therefore came before the completion of his tenure as the university’s chief financial officer.
During his time at NOUN, Marafa served in a number of administrative capacities and was described by the university as a dedicated administrator who contributed significantly to the institution.
University mourns deceased administrator
Ajayi described Marafa as a committed administrator who served the university meritoriously and held several positions of responsibility throughout his career.
The registrar extended the university’s condolences to Marafa’s immediate family, friends, colleagues and members of the wider NOUN community.
The institution expressed sorrow over what it described as the sudden and untimely death of the Bursar.
Burial arrangements to be announced
The university said arrangements for Marafa’s burial would be communicated to members of the public after details are released by his family.
The circumstances surrounding the shooting and the identity of those responsible were not stated in the university’s announcement.
Marafa’s death comes as the NOUN community mourns the loss of one of its senior administrators, whose tenure as Bursar was due to continue until September 2027.
