From heading universities to managing academic institutions and shaping policies, women are increasingly taking on responsibilities that extend beyond the traditional classroom in Nigeria’s education sector. Their contributions to the country’s educational development continue to attract attention.

Mariam Adetoun Zakariyah is one of those women driving this excellent narrative. Her appointment as the 10th Bursar and first woman to occupy the position at the University of Ibadan (UI), Nigeria’s premier university marks a significant milestone in the institution’s 78-year history.

While women have made significant contributions to the country’s education sector, their presence in top administrative positions continues to attract attention, particularly when appointments represent a departure from established institutional patterns.

At the University of Ibadan, Zakariyah’s emergence as the first female Bursar provides an example of a woman attaining a senior leadership position through years of professional service within the institution.

Zakariyah’s appointment follows more than two decades of service in the university’s financial administration, where she has risen through the ranks and gained experience across various departments.

In a congratulatory message signed by the Muslim Ummah of South-West Nigeria (MUSWEN)’s president, Alhaji Rasaki Oladejo, and the Executive Secretary, Professor Wole Abbas, describes her appointment as an inspiration for the girl-child and a reflection of the confidence placed in her professional competence and record of service.

As she takes on the responsibilities of the office, Zakariyah brings with her an extensive understanding of the university’s financial operations and the demands of managing the resources of a complex academic institution.

Her journey at the University of Ibadan began on August 29, 2000, when she joined the Bursary Department as a Higher Executive Officer (Accounts) in the Loans and Advances Section.

Over the years, she worked across various sections of the university’s financial administration, gaining experience in accounting, revenue management and institutional finance.

She subsequently served as a Finance Officer in several faculties, institutes and the Postgraduate College before becoming Chief Accountant in the Treasury Office. In 2019, she was appointed Deputy Bursar, a position she held until her elevation to the office of Bursar.

Her career progression reflects a professional journey that has largely taken place within the university she now serves as a principal officer. She worked her way through various positions in the Bursary Department, building an understanding of the university’s financial systems and administrative processes over the years.

At the University of Ibadan, Zakariyah has been involved in several initiatives aimed at improving financial management.

One of the initiatives associated with her work was the digitisation of the Receivable Unit through the introduction of an electronic receipt system. According to MUSWEN, the initiative reduced paper usage by about 80 per cent and helped address revenue leakages. She also participated in clearing financial statement backlogs covering the period from 2016 to 2019 and contributed to the institutionalisation of tax compliance procedures, which reportedly reduced regulatory queries. Through monitoring the Government Integrated Financial Management Information System (GIFMIS), she helped facilitate the timely processing of staff salaries following the release of funds. She was also involved in the NELFUND refund process.

In addition, Zakariyah participated in the procurement process for the JOEL JEM 1400 Flash Transmission Electron Microscope for the university. The equipment was described in the congratulatory message as the only one of its kind in West Africa, while the procurement process reportedly saved the institution millions of naira.

Beyond her administrative responsibilities, Zakariyah has continued to develop her professional credentials. She is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), having become an associate member of the institute in 2002 and attaining fellowship in 2014. Her academic background includes a National Diploma and Higher National Diploma in Accountancy from The Polytechnic, Ibadan. She also holds a B.Sc. in Economics from Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, an MBA and an M.Sc. in Accounting from the University of Ibadan, as well as a Diploma in Information Technology from HiiT Plc, Ibadan. Her professional achievements began attracting recognition early in her career. In 1998, she was named the Overall Best Graduating Student in Accountancy at The Polytechnic, Ibadan. She also received the Best Graduating Female Accounting Student Award from the Society for Women Accountants of Nigeria (SWAN), alongside the Best Student Award from the National Association of Polytechnic Accountancy Students, The Polytechnic, Ibadan Chapter.

In 2020, she received the SWAN Award for Woman of Excellence.

However, the significance of the appointment will extend beyond its historical value. Her tenure will also be shaped by the financial and administrative demands of the university, including the need to strengthen accountability, improve revenue management and support the institution’s broader operations.

For Zakariyah, the appointment represents a new phase in a career that began in the Bursary Department more than two decades ago.

Born on October 19, 1975, and a native of Abeokuta South Local Council of Ogun State, she has spent much of her professional life building expertise in the same institution she now serves in a historic capacity.