Our Bureau
Aligarh, India
Naima Khatoon has been appointed as the Vice Chancellor of the Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), making her the first woman to hold this prestigious position in over 100 years. Her appointment was confirmed after receiving approval from President Droupadi Murmu, who serves as the Visitor to the University.
Khatoon, who completed her PhD in psychology from AMU, has a long-standing association with the university. She was initially appointed as a lecturer in the psychology department in 1988 and later elevated to the position of professor in 2006. In 2014, she assumed the role of the principal of the Women’s College.
Founded in 1875, the Muhammadan Anglo-Oriental College transformed into AMU in 1920 following the enactment of the Aligarh Muslim University Act. Remarkably, the university has not had a woman vice chancellor until now. In 1920, Begum Sultan Jahan was appointed as the AMU chancellor, and she remains the only woman to have held that post.
Khatoon’s appointment marks a significant milestone in the university’s history, especially as it celebrates 100 years as a university, becoming one of the oldest universities in India.
Khatoon’s husband, Professor Mohammad Gulrez, previously served as the Acting Vice Chancellor of AMU. His appointment came after the then VC, Tariq Mansoor, resigned from the post following his nomination as a member of the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Council.
Khatoon’s candidacy for the top post sparked controversy in October 2023, with some university officials alleging a conflict of interest. Despite this, her appointment stands as a groundbreaking achievement, breaking a century-old tradition of male leadership at AMU.
