NOUN declares three-day mourning for slain bursar

The National Open University of Nigeria, NOUN, has commenced a three-day mourning period following the killing of its University Bursar, Malam Nasiru Marafa.

The mourning began on Monday, September 7, and will end on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, with the university management calling on staff to honour the late bursar with solemnity and prayers.

According to a statement issued by the Registrar, Oladipo Ajayi, an Interfaith Memorial Service will be held at the university’s headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday at 2pm.

The service, which will feature both Christian and Muslim prayers, is expected to bring together members of the university community to pay tribute to Marafa and reflect on his contributions to the institution.

“The mourning period will culminate in an Interfaith Memorial Service, at which Christian and Muslim prayers will be offered in honour of our departed Bursar,” the statement said.

Management directed staff to assemble at the Convocation Arena for the memorial service, urging the university community to participate in the event as a mark of respect for the deceased.

It also instructed all Principal Officers, Deans, Directors and members of the Bursary staff to wear black attire during the service.

The university expressed condolences to Marafa’s family, colleagues and members of the wider NOUN community, while praying for divine strength to help them cope with the loss.

Management further urged staff to observe the mourning period with “due solemnity” and attend Wednesday’s gathering in a spirit of unity, faith and fellowship.

“Management calls on the entire University Community to observe the mourning period with due solemnity and to come together on Wednesday in a spirit of unity, faith and fellowship as we bring the mourning period to a close and offer prayers for the repose of the soul of our departed Bursar,” it added.