The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) has appointed Mrs. Ramatu O. Ibrahim as its Acting Bursar, following the killing of the university’s substantive Bursar, Mallam Nasiru Gusau Marafa.
The appointment, which takes effect from Tuesday, September 8, 2026, was approved by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Uduma Oji Uduma, with the concurrence of the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Malam Isa Yuguda, CON.
The Registrar and Secretary to Council, Mr. Oladipo Ajayi, announced Ibrahim’s appointment in a public notice issued on Tuesday.
According to the university, the appointment is intended to ensure continuity, stability and effective leadership in its financial administration following Marafa’s death.
SaharaReporters reported on Sunday that Marafa was reportedly shot dead while returning from Gusau, Zamfara State.
In a notice issued after his death, NOUN said Marafa died on Sunday, September 6, in what it 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 university said.
NOUN did not provide further details on the circumstances surrounding the shooting or identify those responsible.
The university had described Marafa as a “distinguished colleague, dedicated administrator and valued member of the NOUN family,” saying his death was a “profound loss” to the institution.
In Tuesday’s notice, the university again described the late Bursar as a dedicated and dependable officer who served with commitment, professionalism and integrity.
It said his contributions to the financial administration and institutional development of NOUN would be remembered with gratitude and appreciation.
Ibrahim, who was Deputy Bursar, Treasury, before her appointment, has served in several major operational units of the Bursary Department.
The university said she has extensive experience in accounting, financial management, treasury operations and related administrative processes.
In her immediate past role, Ibrahim provided leadership and oversight of the university’s treasury operations.
The Registrar said her experience across the Bursary Department and knowledge of NOUN’s financial systems and institutional processes would enable her to provide effective leadership and sustain efficient, transparent and accountable financial services.
NOUN Management expressed confidence in Ibrahim’s ability to discharge the responsibilities of her new office with professionalism, diligence, integrity and a strong sense of institutional responsibility.
The Vice-Chancellor, on behalf of the university’s management, congratulated Ibrahim on her appointment and wished her a successful tenure.
The university also urged members of its community to give the Acting Bursar the necessary cooperation and support