The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) has moved swiftly to fill the leadership vacuum in its Bursary Department, appointing Mrs. Ramatu O. Ibrahim as Acting Bursar following the sudden murder of the university’s substantive Bursar, Mallam Nasir G. Marafa.
The appointment, which takes effect from Tuesday, September 8, 2026, was approved by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Uduma Oji Uduma, with the concurrence of the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Malam Isa Yuguda, CON.
The university said Ibrahim will remain in the position until further notice, as management moves to ensure uninterrupted financial administration during the transition.
The Registrar of NOUN, Mr. Oladipo Ajayi, announced the appointment in a public notice issued on Tuesday.
According to the Registrar, the decision was driven by the need to guarantee “continuity, stability and effective leadership” in the university’s financial administration at a critical period.
Ibrahim steps into the role with extensive experience within NOUN’s Bursary Department, having previously served as Deputy Bursar, Treasury.
She has worked across several key operational units of the Bursary Department, building expertise in accounting, financial management, treasury operations and other administrative processes.
In her most recent position as Deputy Bursar, Treasury, Ibrahim provided professional leadership and oversight of the university’s treasury operations, experience management believes will prove crucial in her new assignment.
The Registrar said Ibrahim’s broad knowledge of NOUN’s financial systems and institutional processes has positioned her to lead the Bursary Department effectively while sustaining efficient, transparent and accountable financial services.
The appointment comes against the backdrop of the death of Marafa, whom NOUN management described as a dedicated and dependable officer who served the institution with commitment, professionalism and integrity.
Management said the late Bursar’s contributions to the university’s financial administration and institutional development would continue to be remembered with gratitude and appreciation.
The Vice-Chancellor, on behalf of the university management, congratulated Ibrahim on her appointment and expressed confidence in her ability to discharge the responsibilities of the office with professionalism, diligence, integrity and a strong sense of institutional responsibility.
The university community has also been urged to extend the necessary cooperation and support to the Acting Bursar as she assumes the new responsibility.I can also make it more dramatic and newspaper-style, or provide 15 fiery headline options.
