The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) has appointed Ramatu Ibrahim as Acting Bursar following the killing of the university’s substantive Bursar, Nasir Gusau Marafa.
Ibrahim’s appointment takes immediate effect and comes amid a three-day mourning period declared by the university in honour of Marafa.
The mourning period commenced on Monday and is expected to end on Wednesday.
Marafa was reportedly shot dead in Zamfara State while returning from Gusau, with the university’s Registrar and Secretary to the Governing Council, Oladipo Ajayi, announcing his death on Sunday.
The appointment of Ibrahim was announced by Ajayi in a public notice issued on Tuesday evening.
According to the Registrar, the decision was taken to ensure continuity, stability and effective leadership in the university’s financial administration during the period.
The university said the appointment was aimed at “ensuring continuity, stability and effective leadership in the university’s financial administration at a critical period.”
Ibrahim Brings Bursary Experience
Ibrahim, who previously served as Deputy Bursar, Treasury, was described by NOUN as an experienced university administrator with extensive knowledge of the institution’s financial operations.
The university said she had served in several key operational units of the Bursary Department, where she gained experience in accounting, financial management, treasury operations and other administrative processes.
In her immediate past position as Deputy Bursar, Treasury, Ibrahim provided professional leadership and oversight of the university’s treasury operations.
NOUN said her experience across the Bursary Department, combined with her knowledge of the university’s financial systems and institutional processes, positioned her to provide effective leadership and maintain efficient, transparent and accountable financial services.
The university management expressed confidence in her ability to discharge the responsibilities of Acting Bursar with professionalism, diligence, integrity and a strong sense of institutional responsibility.
Her appointment was approved by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Uduma Oji Uduma, with the concurrence of the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Isa Yuguda.
University Mourns Slain Bursar
Meanwhile, NOUN continued to mourn Marafa, describing him as a dedicated and dependable officer who served the institution with commitment, professionalism and integrity.
The university said his contributions to its financial administration and institutional development would be remembered with gratitude and appreciation.
Marafa was appointed Bursar of NOUN in September 2022 and was due to complete his tenure in 2027. His death has thrown the university community into mourning.
The circumstances surrounding his killing have not been fully disclosed by the university, while details of the investigation into the incident remain unclear.
With Ibrahim now assuming the role of Acting Bursar, the university is expected to maintain the continuity of its financial operations while it mourns the loss of its substantive Bursar.
