The Muslim Ummah of South-West Nigeria (MUSWEN) has congratulated Mrs. Mariam Adetoun Zakariyah on her assumption of office as the 10th Bursar and first female occupant of the position at the University of Ibadan (UI), wishing her a successful and impactful tenure.
Zakariyah formally assumed office on September 20, 2026, following her appointment by the University’s Governing Council at its meeting on July 9, 2026.
In a congratulatory message, signed by Alhaji Rasaki Oladejo, President and Professor Wole Abbas, Executive Secretary, MUSWEN described her elevation as an inspiration for the girl-child,
significant milestone for the University of Ibadan and an indication of the confidence reposed in her professional competence, experience and record of service.
MUSWEN expressed confidence that Zakariyah’s experience and professional background would contribute to the continued strengthening of financial administration at the University of Ibadan.
Zakariyah brings to her new position more than two decades of experience in the University’s Bursary Department, having joined the institution on August 29, 2000, as a Higher Executive Officer (Accounts) in the Loans and Advances Section.
She subsequently served as a Finance Officer in various faculties, institutes and the Postgraduate College before becoming Chief Accountant in the Treasury Office. She was appointed Deputy Bursar in 2019 and remained in that position until her elevation to the office of Bursar.
During her career, Zakariyah has been involved in strengthening the University’s financial management systems, improving financial reporting and enhancing revenue administration.
Among the initiatives credited to her was the digitisation of the Receivable Unit through an electronic receipt system, which reportedly reduced paper usage by about 80 per cent and helped to address revenue leakages.
She also participated in clearing financial statement backlogs covering 2016 to 2019 and contributed to the institutionalisation of tax compliance procedures, resulting in a reduction in regulatory queries.
Through monitoring of the Government Integrated Financial Management Information System (GIFMIS), she helped ensure timely processing of staff salaries following the release of funds. She was also involved in the NELFUND refund process.
Zakariyah participated in the procurement process for the JOEL JEM 1400 Flash Transmission Electron Microscope for the University, an equipment described as the only one of its kind in West Africa, with the process reportedly saving the institution millions of naira.
She has also served on several financial and administrative committees within the University, including the Bursary Management Committee, University Finance Management Committee and Postgraduate School Procurement Committee.
At the Council level, she served on committees including the Budget Monitoring Committee, Finance and General-Purpose Committee and Council Sub-Committee on Audit Matters.
A Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), Zakariyah became an Associate of the institute in 2002 and attained fellowship in 2014.
Her professional excellence was recognised early in her career. In 1998, she was named 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) and the Best Student Award of the National Association of Polytechnic Accountancy Students (NAPAS), The Polytechnic Ibadan Chapter.
In 2020, she received the SWAN Award for Woman of Excellence.
Born on October 19, 1975, Zakariyah, née Adegbite, hails from Abeokuta South Local Government Area of Ogun State.
She holds a National Diploma and Higher National Diploma in Accountancy from The Polytechnic Ibadan, 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.
MUSWEN prayed for wisdom, sound health and divine guidance for the new Bursar as she assumes the responsibilities of the office, while wishing her a successful and rewarding tenure.
