The National Open University of Nigeria has appointed Mrs Ramatu O. Ibrahim as Acting Bursar following the death of the university’s substantive Bursar, Mallam Nasiru Gusau Marafa.
The appointment, which took effect on 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.
The Registrar and Secretary to Council, Oladipo Ajayi, announced the appointment in a public notice, saying it was aimed at ensuring continuity, stability and effective leadership of the university’s financial administration during the period.
Ibrahim was previously the Deputy Bursar, Treasury, and has served in several operational units of the Bursary Department. The university said she has extensive experience in accounting, financial management, treasury operations and related administrative functions.
The appointment comes shortly after the death of Marafa, who was reportedly shot while returning from Gusau, Zamfara State. NOUN announced his death on Sunday, September 6, describing it as sudden and untimely.
The university did not disclose further details about the circumstances surrounding the shooting. It said Marafa was a dedicated and committed staff member who had served in various positions of responsibility before becoming Bursar.
Marafa was appointed Bursar in September 2022, according to the university’s official account, and was described as having contributed significantly to the institution’s financial administration and development.
NOUN Management expressed confidence in Ibrahim’s ability to lead the Bursary Department effectively, citing her familiarity with the university’s financial systems and institutional processes.
The university said her experience would help sustain efficient, transparent and accountable financial services while the institution mourns its late Bursar.
The appointment was announced during a three-day mourning period declared by the university in honour of Marafa, which began on Monday and is scheduled to end on Wednesday.
