The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) has held an interfaith memorial service in honour of its late Bursar, Mallam Nasiru Marafa, at the university’s headquarters in Abuja.
The solemn ceremony, held on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, was attended by members of the University Management, staff, family representatives of the deceased, former Vice-Chancellors, university officials, guests and Bursars from other universities.
In his welcome address, the Vice-Chancellor of NOUN, Prof. Uduma Oji Uduma, said the life and death of Mallam Marafa should inspire members of the University Community to reflect more deeply on the value of life, forgiveness, reconciliation and service.
Prof. Uduma urged people to make expressions such as “thank you,” “I am sorry,” “I appreciate you” and “I love you” part of their everyday interactions, stressing that life was too precious to be consumed by hatred and unresolved differences.
He said the death of Mallam Marafa should also remind leaders that authority was temporary, while service was what gave leadership its moral value.
The Vice-Chancellor further used the occasion to reflect on the importance of security in society, noting that security should not be understood merely as the absence of war, but as a condition in which ordinary people could live their daily lives without extraordinary fear.
“A person should be able to travel, a child should be able to return from school, a worker should be able to go to work, and a family should be able to expect the return of a loved one,” he said.
Former Vice-Chancellors of NOUN, Prof. Vincent Ado Tenebe and Prof. Olufemi Peters, described the late Bursar as a kind-hearted gentleman who served the university with dedication and commitment.
Tributes were also delivered by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Technology, Innovation and Research, Prof. Christine Ofulue; the Registrar, Mr. Oladipo Ajayi; the Acting Bursar, Mrs. Ramatu O. Ibrahim, who paid glowing tributes to the deceased, among others.
The University’s Chief Imam, Dr. Sarumi, delivered a sermon and led Muslim prayers and recitations from the Holy Qur'an for the repose of the soul of the late Bursar.
Similarly, the University Chaplain, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Ameh, offered Christian prayers in memory of Mallam Marafa, while members of the NOUN Christian Fellowship rendered the hymn, “It Is Well with My Soul,” in his honour.
Among dignitaries who attended the memorial service held at the headquarters of the university in Abuja were the the former Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Vincent Ado Tenebe; Emeritus Prof. Godwin Sogolo; members of the University Management and other senior officials.
Bursars from several Nigerian universities, led by the Chairperson of the Association of Bursars of Nigerian University, Dr. Hadiza Goje, also attended the ceremony to pay their respects and honour the memory of the late Mallam Nasiru Marafa.
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