In a groundbreaking move, Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) has appointed Dr. Naima Khatoon as its Vice Chancellor, marking the first time in its long history that a woman has held this prestigious position. The Ministry of Education (MoE) confirmed the appointment, which received approval from President Droupadi Murmu, who serves as the Visitor to the University.
The appointment process navigated through the Election Commission of India (ECI) due to the Model Code of Conduct (MCC). The ECI granted approval, ensuring that the appointment wouldn’t be politically exploited.
Dr. Naima Khatoon boasts a distinguished academic background, with a PhD in psychology from AMU. She began her journey at the university as a lecturer in 1988, ascending to the position of professor in 2006. In 2014, she assumed the role of principal of the Women’s College at AMU.
AMU, established in 1875 as Muhammadan Anglo-Oriental College and renamed in 1920, had never before appointed a female Vice Chancellor. Begum Sultan Jahan was the only other woman to hold a top position at AMU, serving as its chancellor in 1920.
Dr. Khatoon’s husband, Professor Mohammad Gulrez, had previously served as the Acting Vice Chancellor. His tenure followed the resignation of the then VC, Tariq Mansoor, who was nominated as a member of the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Council.
Dr. Khatoon’s candidacy faced scrutiny, with allegations of conflict of interest. One applicant, Mujahid Beg, who was not shortlisted, called for a fresh selection process in a letter to President Murmu.
The Executive Council (EC), AMU’s highest decision-making body, shortlisted five candidates out of twenty applicants. Other recommended candidates included legal scholar Faizan Mustafa, biochemist Qayyum Husain, cardiologist M U Rabbani, and professor Furqan Qamar.
