The University of Ibadan (UI) has appointed Mrs Mariam Zakariyah, Fellow Chartered Accountant, as the first female Bursar in the history of the 78-year institution.
Interestingly, the jinx breaker boasts a profile that that seemed to have commanded the honour for her.
A Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), she joined the university on August 29, 2000.
She spent 24 years rising from the Loans and Advances Unit through roles including Senior Accountant, Faculty Finance Officer, Chief Accountant, and Deputy Bursar.
Appointed as the 10th substantive Bursar on July 9, 2026, succeeding Mr. Adewuyi Popoola, she assumed office on September 21, 2026.
- Leadership: Served as National Financial Secretary for The Criterion, a Muslim women’s professional association.
The news of the appointment is contained in a statement made available to newsmen by Mrs Joke Akinpelu, the Director of Public Relations of the institution on Monday in Ibadan.
Akinpelu said that the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Kayode Adebowale, disclosed this at the assumption of office by Zakariyah as the university’s new Bursar.
Adebowale described the appointment as a reflection of the university’s tradition, culture and commitment to excellence.
He said, “The process that produced the new Bursar was fair and devoid of gender or religious bias.
“The university was founded on an enduring tradition of excellence, which had continued to shape its institutional values and operations.”
The vice-chancellor commended the immediate past Bursar, Mr Adewuyi Popoola, for maintaining the university’s financial stability throughout his tenure.
Adebowale said the university had established a tradition of smooth transition, describing it as one of the sources of its institutional strength.
He said UI’s reputation extended beyond its immediate environment, adding that its activities remained anchored on excellence, integrity and service.
The vice-chancellor said that Zakariyah’s appointment marked a significant milestone in the history of the institution.
He stressed that the standing of the university was not determined by its physical structures alone but also by the manner in which it conducted its affairs and upholds sound values.
Responding, Zakariyah expressed appreciation to the vice-chancellor for ensuring a fair and seamless appointment process.
She pledged to lead the Bursary in fulfilling its mandate and ensuring effective service delivery.
The new Bursar also promised to deploy her expertise to justify the confidence reposed in her, while soliciting the continued support of the university management.
The Chief Imam of the university, Prof. Ibrahim Uthman, and the Chaplain, Chapel of the Resurrection, Venerable Victor Oladele, offered prayers for a smooth transition and successful tenure of the new Bursar.
