𝑵𝑶𝑼𝑵 𝑵𝒂𝒎𝒆𝒔 𝑹𝒂𝒎𝒂𝒕𝒖 𝑰𝒃𝒓𝒂𝒉𝒊𝒎 𝑨𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑩𝒖𝒓𝒔𝒂𝒓 𝑭𝒐𝒍𝒍𝒐𝒘𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑴𝒂𝒓𝒂𝒇𝒂'𝒔 𝑲𝒊𝒍𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒊𝒏 𝒁𝒂𝒎𝒇𝒂𝒓𝒂

The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) has moved swiftly to fill the vacuum left by the killing of its substantive Bursar, appointing Mrs Ramatu O. Ibrahim as Acting Bursar barely 48 hours after the university announced the death of Mallam Nasiru Gusau Marafa.

According to a statement cited by Sahara Reporters, the university's Registrar and Secretary to Council, Mr Oladipo Ajayi, disclosed Mrs Ibrahim's appointment in a public notice issued on Tuesday. Her elevation takes effect from Tuesday, September 8, 2026, and remains valid until further notice.

The appointment was sanctioned by NOUN's Vice-Chancellor, Professor Uduma Oji Uduma, and received the backing of the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Malam Isa Yuguda, CON. University officials say the decision is designed to guarantee continuity and steady financial leadership at the institution during a difficult period.

Bursar Shot Dead Returning From Gusau

Marafa's death has cast a shadow over the university in recent days. Citing university sources, SaharaReporters had reported on Sunday that the Bursar was shot while travelling back from Gusau in Zamfara State.

In a notice issued shortly after, NOUN confirmed that Marafa died on Sunday, September 6, describing the incident as a "sudden and untimely death." The university stated that, based on information available to it, Marafa was "reportedly shot while returning from Gusau." No further details have been released on the circumstances of the attack, and no suspects have been identified.

Management had earlier eulogised him as a "distinguished colleague, dedicated administrator and valued member of the NOUN family," calling his passing a "profound loss" to the institution. In Tuesday's follow-up notice, the university reiterated that tribute, remembering him as a dependable officer whose commitment, professionalism and integrity would not be forgotten, and whose contributions to NOUN's financial administration and institutional growth would long be appreciated.

Before her appointment, Mrs Ibrahim served as Deputy Bursar, Treasury, and has held roles across several key operational units within the Bursary Department. The university describes her as a seasoned administrator with deep grounding in accounting, financial management, treasury operations and related administrative functions.

In her most recent posting, she directed the university's treasury operations. Registrar Ajayi noted that her broad exposure across the Bursary Department, combined with her familiarity with NOUN's financial systems and institutional workings, positions her to sustain efficient, transparent and accountable financial services for the university.

NOUN's management expressed confidence in her capacity to discharge her new responsibilities with professionalism, diligence and a firm sense of institutional duty. The Vice-Chancellor, speaking on behalf of the university, congratulated Mrs Ibrahim on the appointment and wished her a successful tenure.

The university has since called on staff, students and the wider NOUN community to extend their full cooperation and support to the new Acting Bursar as she settles into the role.