STATEMENT BY THE VICE-CHANCELLOR , NATIONAL OPEN UNIVERSITY OF NIGERIA, PROF. UDUMA OJI UDUMA, ON THE PASSING OF THE UNIVERSITY BURSAR, MAL. NASIRU MARAFA
It is with a heart weighed down by profound grief that I mourn the sudden and tragic passing of our Bursar, Mal. Nasiru Marafa.
The news of his death has left me, the Governing Council, Management, staff and students of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) deeply shocked and devastated. His passing, in such sudden and tragic circumstances, is a painful loss that is difficult to comprehend.
Mal. Nasiru was much more than the University's Bursar. He was a dedicated public servant, a consummate professional and, above all, a decent and honourable human being. He served the University with quiet dignity, diligence and an abiding commitment to the principles of due process, fairness, accountability and integrity.
His professional journey within NOUN was a remarkable one. From his early days as a young and dutiful member of the Bursary, he rose through the ranks by dint of hard work, competence and dedication to become the Bursar of one of Africa's largest universities. His ascent was a testimony to his commitment to service and the confidence that successive administrations and colleagues placed in him.
But beyond the office and the accomplishments, Nasiru was a gentle and unassuming man. He carried his responsibilities without ostentation and related with colleagues with courtesy, humility and respect. He was dependable, thoughtful and always willing to listen and assist. For those of us who had the privilege of working closely with him, his quiet presence was a source of reassurance.
For me personally, his passing is particularly painful. I have lost not only a principal officer with whom I worked closely, but also a trusted colleague, friend and dependable confidant. There are individuals whose value to an institution extends beyond the formal responsibilities attached to their offices. Nasiru was one of such individuals. His counsel, loyalty, calm disposition and commitment to the good of the University will be deeply missed.
At a time like this, words are inadequate to express the pain of losing a life so suddenly and tragically. Our thoughts and prayers are especially with his family, loved ones, colleagues and community, who must now confront a loss that words cannot adequately describe.
On behalf of the Governing Council, Management and the entire NOUN family, I extend our deepest condolences to the family of Mal. Nasiru Marafa. We stand with them in this hour of profound sorrow and assure them that the University will remember and honour his years of dedicated service to our institution.
I also urge members of the NOUN community to remain united and supportive of one another as we mourn this painful loss. In moments such as this, the strength of a university is reflected not only in its academic and administrative achievements but also in its capacity to stand together in compassion and solidarity.
Mal. Nasiru Marafa served his University faithfully. He left an enduring imprint on the institution he served and on the people whose lives he touched.
May Allah, in His infinite mercy, forgive his shortcomings, accept his good deeds, reward his years of service and grant him Al-Jannatul Firdaus.
May Allah grant his family, colleagues, friends and the entire NOUN community the strength, comfort and fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.
Farewell, Mal. Nasiru. May your gentle soul rest in perfect peace.
Prof. Uduma Oji Uduma
Vice-Chancellor
National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN)
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