Marafa died on Sunday, September 6, 2026, in what the university described as a sudden and untimely death.

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

The university disclosed this in an official notice signed by its Registrar and Secretary to Council, Oladipo Adetayo Ajayi, on Sunday.

According to the notice, Marafa died on Sunday, September 6, 2026, in what the university described as a sudden and untimely death.

“According to information available to the University, Mallam Nasiru Gusau Marafa was reportedly shot while returning from Gusau,” the notice stated.

The university did not provide further details on the circumstances surrounding the shooting or identify the perpetrators.

Marafa was described as a dedicated and committed staff member who served the university meritoriously and held various positions of responsibility during his career.

He was appointed Bursar of NOUN in September 2026, according to the university.

The university said his death was a “profound loss” to the institution, describing him as a “distinguished colleague, dedicated administrator and valued member of the NOUN family.”

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

The university extended its condolences to his immediate family, relatives, friends, colleagues and others mourning his death.

It prayed that Allah would grant the family and the university community the strength to bear the loss.

NOUN said further information on the burial arrangements would be communicated when details are released by the family.

The university also prayed that Allah forgive Marafa’s shortcomings and grant him Al-Jannah Firdaus.