Shah Taj Khan

Prof. Naima Khatoon became the first woman Vice Chancellor of Aligarh Muslim University, marking a milestone in the institution’s long academic journey. Her appointment as head of a a prestigious institution which was envisioned by Sir Syed Ahmad Khan symbolised a major step forward for the participation and visibility of Muslim women in higher education and leadership across India.

A distinguished scholar of clinical, health, applied social, and spiritual psychology, Professor Naima Khatoon has authored six significant books and made notable contributions to the field of psychology through both research and teaching. With extensive academic and administrative experience, she has supervised 15 doctoral theses and guided numerous research dissertations during her tenure at AMU.

She also taught for one academic year at the University of Rwanda and later served as Chairperson of the Department of Psychology at AMU. Over the years, she has delivered lectures at several prestigious international institutions, including the University of Louisville, the 1 Decembrie 1918 University of Alba Iulia, Chulalongkorn University, and the Hollings Centre for International Dialogue.

Prof Naima Khatoon at a conference

Professor Naima Khatoon earned her PhD in Political Psychology through research conducted at the Centre for the Study of Developing Societies and AMU. Her doctoral work focused on a comparative study of political alienation and socio-psychological relations among Hindu and Muslim youth, reflecting her deep engagement with complex social and political issues.

Interestingly, nearly a century earlier, Sultan Jahan Begum had become the first woman Chancellor of AMU in 1920, laying the foundation for women’s leadership at the institution. Yet it took more than a hundred years for a woman to rise to the office of Vice Chancellor.

On May 24, 1875, Sir Syed Ahmad Khan founded the Muhammadan Anglo-Oriental College, which later evolved into Aligarh Muslim University. His vision was to create an institution where Muslim students would hold the Qur’an in one hand and a modern science textbook in the other. In 1920, 22 years after his death, the Government of India granted university status to this educational mission.

Prof Naima Khatoon with President Droupadi Murmu

Born in Odisha in 1961, Professor Naima Khatoon completed her higher education at AMU and remained closely associated with the institution throughout her academic career. She began her professional journey as a lecturer in the Department of Psychology in August 1988, became an Associate Professor in April 1998, and was promoted to Professor in July 2006.

Before assuming office as Vice Chancellor, she served as Principal of the Women’s College, AMU, from July 2014 onward. She also held several key administrative positions, including Director of the Centre for Skill Development and Career Planning and Deputy Proctor. In addition, she served for a year as an Associate Professor at the University of Rwanda.

Her academic specialisation includes clinical psychology, social psychology, and political psychology. Apart from authoring six books, she has published more than 50 research papers in national and international journals. She has also served as Deputy Coordinator of the UGC-supported Special Assistance Programme in Spiritual Psychology at AMU’s Department of Psychology.

Prof Naima Khatoon in her office

Professor Naima Khatoon was elected a Fellow of the Indian National Science Academy, one of the country’s highest academic honours in the scientific community. Established in 1935, the academy recognizes scholars who have made distinguished contributions in their respective disciplines.

In February 2026, she was also nominated for the Governor’s Vande Mataram Award of Excellence in recognition of her contributions to women’s empowerment and educational leadership.

Since assuming charge as Vice Chancellor, Professor Naima Khatoon has initiated several academic and administrative reforms at AMU. Under her leadership, the quality of teaching has improved considerably, and several departments have been revitalised. One of her major achievements has been securing approval from the Ministry of Education for new teaching positions, an important step toward strengthening faculty development.

During her tenure, the university has introduced several academic reforms and skill-based programmes aligned with the goals of the National Education Policy (NEP 2020). Alongside traditional education, she has strongly emphasised vocational and professional training.

Prof Naima Khatoon with President Droupadi Murmu

AMU has also expanded online learning opportunities through the SWAYAM portal, enabling students to access quality education remotely. Additionally, the Centre for Skill Development and Career Planning has launched several short-term certificate courses focused on women’s empowerment, including web designing, computer programming, textile designing, interior decoration, English fluency, and shorthand.

✨ Today at AMU ✨🇮🇳
With pride & patriotism, VC Prof. Naima Khatoon hoisted the National Flag at historic Strachey Hall on #IndependenceDay.
PVC Prof. Mohsin Khan, Registrar Mr. Imran & dignitaries joined students & staff celebration❤️🤍💚 #HarGharTiranga #PrideInTiranga @ANI pic.twitter.com/ktjulfd3dK

— Aligarh Muslim University (@AMUofficialPRO) August 15, 2025

Professor Naima Khatoon has emerged as a visionary educationist, administrator, and forward-looking leader. Through modern skill development initiatives and educational reforms, she has sought to align AMU with the demands of the 21st century while preserving its rich intellectual and cultural traditions.

Actively working toward the empowerment and autonomy of women students, she represents a balanced blend of traditional values and modern technology. More than an administrator, she has positioned herself as a reformer committed to student welfare, academic excellence, and institutional modernisation.

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Her broader vision is to transform Aligarh Muslim University into a modern, globally competitive institution rooted in its historic legacy while advancing strongly in science, technology, and innovation. Amid contemporary educational challenges, she has projected AMU as a dynamic, stable, and future-oriented university.