New Delhi: In a landmark decision, Naima Khatoon has been named the Vice Chancellor of Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), becoming the first woman to ascend to this prestigious position in the institution’s century-long history. This groundbreaking announcement was made on Monday, following the approval from President Draupadi Murmu, who also serves as the Visitor of the university.
The appointment comes at a significant moment, coinciding with the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct. The Election Commission of India (ECI) granted its consent for Khatoon’s appointment, stipulating that it should not be leveraged for political gain.
Naima Khatoon, an esteemed academician with a PhD in Psychology from AMU, embarked on her professional journey at the university as a lecturer in 1988. Her career trajectory saw a steady rise, culminating in her promotion to professor in 2006. Further demonstrating her leadership capabilities, Khatoon took on the role of Principal of Women’s College in 2014.
The origins of AMU trace back to 1875 with the establishment of Muhammadan Anglo-Oriental College, which was later renamed Aligarh Muslim University in 1920. That same year, Begum Sultan Jahan was appointed as the Vice Chancellor of AMU. Now, after a hundred years, Naima Khatoon’s appointment marks a historic moment, echoing the university’s progressive ethos and commitment to gender equality.
Khatoon’s tenure as Vice Chancellor is set for five years. Her appointment has been met with enthusiasm and is seen as a positive step towards inclusivity and diversity in higher education leadership.
