NOUN VC mourns late Bursar, Nasiru Marafa, says he was "a complete gentleman"

NOUN VC mourns late Bursar, Nasiru Marafa, says he was “a complete gentleman”

The Vice-Chancellor of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Professor Uduma Oji Uduma, has paid glowing tribute to the late Bursar of the university, Mal. Nasiru Marafa Gusau, describing his death as “one of the biggest shocks I have received in my life.”

Prof. Uduma stated this on Monday during the Janaza Ga’ib prayer for Mal. Nasiru Marafa, the university Bursar, who was reportedly shot dead yesterday on his way from Gusau, Zamfara State.

The VC thanked members of the university community and the public for their prayers following the sudden passing of the bursar.

He described the deceased as “the best person for the job. He was honest, a complete gentleman and a very good friend.”

Reflecting on the loss, Prof. Uduma urged the university community to take solace in faith and in the legacy Mal. Nasiru left behind.

NOUN Bursar Nasiru Gusau Marafa shot dead in Gusau National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) has announced the death of its Bursar, Mallam Nasiru Gusau Marafa, who reportedly died after being shot while returning from Gusau. The university confirmed the development in an official statement issued on Sunday by its Registrar and Secretary to Council, Oladipo Adetayo Ajayi, describing the incident as a tragic loss to the institution. According to the statement, Marafa died on Sunday, September 6, 2026. "According to information available to the University, Mallam Nasiru Gusau Marafa was reportedly shot while returning from Gusau," the statement said. The university noted that the late bursar was a committed administrator who served the institution in several capacities before his appointment as Bursar in September 2026. It stated that he assumed office with "a strong sense of duty and commitment to the advancement of the University." Describing his passing as a painful loss, the institution said, "His sudden demise is a profound loss to the University community. The entire University community mourns the passing of a distinguished colleague, dedicated administrator and valued member of the NOUN family." NOUN extended its condolences to the deceased's family, friends, colleagues and members of the university community affected by the tragedy. "At this period of grief, the University extends its deepest condolences to his immediate family, relatives, friends, colleagues and all those who mourn this monumental loss. We pray that the Almighty Allah grants the family and the entire University community the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss," the statement added. The university also disclosed that details of the burial arrangements would be announced after consultations with the family. "Further information concerning the burial arrangements will be communicated as soon as details are released by the family," the statement said. It concluded with prayers for the repose of the deceased's soul, asking Allah to forgive his shortcomings, grant him Al-Jannah Firdaus, and give his family and the university community the strength to bear the loss. — NOUN Bursar Nasiru Gusau Marafa

“Only Allah determines when you die. When you die, it means the death Allah willed for you has come. Since it has pleased God to take him, we cannot ask God why,” he stated.

He further called on staff and students to be encouraged by the way Mal. Nasiru lived his life.

“Let us all be encouraged by the way Nasiru lived his life. His spirit of work and commitment inspires the university. Nasiru was responsible,” the VC added.

Mal. Nasiru Marafa Gusau passed away on Sunday. A Janaza Ga’ib Prayer was held in his honor on Monday, September 7, 2026, immediately after the 1:30pm Zuhr prayer at the NOUN Central Mosque, Jabi, Abuja.

The university management, staff, and students continue to mourn the late bursar, remembering him for his diligence, integrity, and dedication to service.

Among those who attended the janaza Ga’ib for the late Bursar are the former governor of Bauchi state and Chairman Council NOUN, Mal. Isa Yuguda OFR, all principal officers of the university, former VC NOUN Prof. Vincent Ado Tenebe, Emiretus Professor Godwin Sogolo among others.

May Allah grant him Al-Jannatul Firdaus Ameen.

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