The sudden death of the Bursar of the National Open University of Nigeria, NOUN, Mal. Nasiru Marafa Gusau, has left the university community in shock, with the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Uduma Oji Uduma, describing the late administrator as an honest man, a dependable colleague and a “complete gentleman.”
Prof. Uduma spoke on Monday at a Janaza Ga’ib prayer held in honour of the late Bursar at the NOUN Central Mosque, Jabi, Abuja.
Mal. Nasiru was reportedly shot dead on Sunday while travelling from Gusau, Zamfara State, in an incident that has plunged the university community into mourning.
For the Vice-Chancellor, the loss was particularly painful.
Describing the death as “one of the biggest shocks I’ve received in my life,” Prof. Uduma said the university had lost not only a senior administrator but also a trusted friend and dedicated public servant.
He said Mal. Nasiru was “the best person for the job,” praising his honesty, professionalism and commitment to his responsibilities.
“He was honest, a complete gentleman and a very good friend,” the Vice-Chancellor said.
Prof. Uduma urged members of the university community to draw strength from the values the late Bursar demonstrated during his lifetime, particularly his dedication to work and sense of responsibility.
“Let us all be encouraged by the way Nasiru lived his life. His spirit of work and commitment inspires the university. Nasiru was responsible,” he said.
The Vice-Chancellor also called on staff and students to accept the loss with faith, noting that the timing of death was ultimately in God’s hands.
“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.
The Janaza Ga’ib prayer was held on Monday, September 7, 2026, shortly after the 1:30 p.m. Zuhr prayer at the NOUN Central Mosque, Jabi, Abuja.
The gathering brought together members of the university community and prominent figures, including former Bauchi State Governor and Chairman of the NOUN Governing Council, Mal. Isa Yuguda, OFR; principal officers of the university; former NOUN Vice-Chancellor, Professor Vincent Ado Tenebe; and Emeritus Professor Godwin Sogolo, among others.
The university management, staff and students continue to mourn Mal. Nasiru, remembering him for his diligence, integrity and dedication to service.
He is survived by his family and colleagues who remember him for the professionalism and humanity he brought to his work.
