In a recent development, President Droupadi Murmu appointed Professor Naima Khatoon as the first woman vice chancellor of Aligarh Muslim University (AMU). This decision represents an important turning point in the university’s history.
Professor Khatoon takes over as officiating vice chancellor after her spouse, Professor Mohammad Gulrez, who has held the position for about a year. Professor Khatoon’s appointment, although coming from a poor background in Odisha’s Jajpur district, demonstrates her merit and dedication to academia.
Despite the university’s long history of famous alumnae running prestigious institutions, it took more than a century for a worthy woman to be suggested for the top position. Certain traditions, as well as the university’s residential setting, may have previously provided impediments to women achieving such leadership responsibilities.
Reflecting on Professor Khatoon’s journey, retired AMU professor Kafeel Ahmed Qasmi presented memories about her arrival at Aligarh in 1977, stressing the rarity of an Odia girl pursuing education at the time. Her academic excellence led her to acquire her PhD in psychology at AMU, where she rose through the ranks to become a professor and then the principal of the Women’s College in 2014.
Appointment 48 Hours before Lok Sabha voting in Aligarh
The appointment follows a long spell without a full-time vice chancellor since April 2023. Notably, the message regarding Professor Khatoon’s appointment was made shortly before 48 hours for Aligarh to vote in the Lok Sabha elections, with the Election Commission issuing stern directions to avoid politicisation.
With the Model Code of Conduct in effect, the Centre’s notification stated that the Election Commission of India had allowed the government to proceed with the appointment on the condition that “no publicity shall be there and no political mileage may be derived from it.”.
The Aligarh Muslim Teachers’ Association (AMUTA), which had previously questioned the selection process, has now acknowledged Ms. Khatoon’s appointment. In a letter to Ms. Khatoon, AMUTA’s honorary secretary, Professor Obaid Siddiqui, expressed optimism that she would be fair, transparent, and impartial. He stated that the association would remain a “loyal watchdog” of the institution.
Ms. Khatoon’s candidature for the position was contested in the Allahabad High Court in November 2023 because her name was shortlisted by a committee led by her husband, Mohammed Gulrez, who served as the university’s vice chancellor. Nonetheless, the petition was dismissed.
