Dr. Zakia Mohamed Abubakar is a significant figure in Tanzanian higher education and public service. She served as the Vice Chancellor of the State University of Zanzibar (SUZA) from 2018 to 2022. During her tenure, she played a key role in the restoration of the Oman Academic Fellowship Programme at SUZA, highlighting her commitment to enhancing academic opportunities and international collaboration​

In addition to her academic leadership, Dr. Zakia Mohamed Abubakar has been actively involved in public service. She was appointed as a member of the National Electoral Commission (NEC) in Tanzania, where she emphasizes the importance of integrity and transparency in the electoral process