A distinguished educationist, administrator, and an inspiring symbol of women’s empowerment in contemporary India, Professor Najma Akhtar holds the distinction of being the first woman Vice-Chancellor of Jamia Millia Islamia.

During her about four-year tenure until 2023, she played a transformative role in giving the university renewed national and international recognition. Established in 1920, Jamia Millia Islamia appointed her as its 16th Vice-Chancellor, and she also created history by becoming the first woman to head any central university in Delhi. In recognition of her outstanding contributions to education and administration, the Government of India honoured her with the Padma Shri in 2022.

Najma Akhtar has consistently promoted the Urdu language, although most of her scholarly publications and research work have been in English. A significant portion of her academic contributions focuses on educational policy, planning, and administration. She has authored and edited several important books.

Prof Najma Akhtar as VC, Jamia Milia islamia

In her work Revolutionising Education: Navigating the NEP 2020 Era, she offers a scholarly analysis of the implementation and potential impact of the National Education Policy 2020.

Another notable publication, Mann ki Baat: A Medium of Communication, is a unique coffee-table book documenting the social and educational impact of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s radio programme. In Higher Education in India: Issues and Challenges, she examines the problems confronting India’s higher education system, with special emphasis on quality standards and administrative reforms.

In addition to her books, more than 100 of her research papers have been published in national and international journals. Her academic work consistently addresses themes such as educational administration, policy reforms, and gender equality. She also played a significant role in preparing Arabic language learning modules for the National Council for Promotion of Urdu Language.

Prof Najma Akhtar being conferred Padma Shri

As Vice-Chancellor of Jamia Millia Islamia, Najma Akhtar not only elevated the university to the third position among India’s leading universities but also helped secure the prestigious A++ accreditation from NAAC. During her tenure, the long-awaited dream of establishing a medical college at Jamia finally received formal approval from the Government of India. In the university’s century-long history, the establishment of a medical college had remained an unrealised aspiration, which she helped turn into reality.

Under her leadership, the university introduced more than 30 modern and future-oriented courses. These included programmes in medical and technical education, design and innovation, hospitality management, digital learning, and the Internet of Things (IoT), among others.

Najma Akhtar’s academic journey spans over four decades and reflects intellectual excellence, vision, and leadership. Born on November 13, 1953, she completed her education at Aligarh Muslim University, where she was awarded a gold medal for academic excellence.

Prof Najma Akhtar

She later earned her PhD from Kurukshetra University with a thesis titled A Comparative Study of Conventional and Distance Education Systems in Higher Education. Her research highlighted differences in academic standards, administration, and outcomes between traditional and open universities.

She also conducted research at the University of Warwick and worked on educational planning in the United States under the prestigious Fulbright Fellowship. In addition, she received professional training in educational planning from the International Institute for Educational Planning.

Professor Najma Akhtar began her professional career at Aligarh Muslim University, where she served as Controller of Examinations and also headed the admissions department. She later spent more than 15 years at the National Institute of Educational Planning and Administration as Professor and Head of the Training Department. She was also the founding Director of the State Institute of Educational Management and Training.

Prof Najma Akhtar receiving as award from President Droupadi Murmu

At the international level, she has served as an educational consultant for organisations such as UNESCO, UNICEF, and DANIDA.

In recognition of her remarkable contributions to higher education, particularly her efforts in elevating Jamia Millia Islamia, Professor Najma Akhtar was awarded the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian honour. She became the first Vice-Chancellor of Jamia to receive this distinction while in office, and the award was conferred upon her in 2022 by President Ram Nath Kovind.

In 2023, TeamLease EdTech honoured her with the Lifetime Achievement Award (Academia) for her efforts to bridge education and employability. The same year, Zee Media presented her with the National Achievers Award for her visionary leadership in education. She was also appointed Honorary Colonel Commandant of the NCC in 2023.

Prof Najma Akhtar listed among most India's most influential women

Earlier, she received the UGC Excellence Award in 2013 for outstanding contributions to teaching and research. In 2010, she was honoured with the Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Award in recognition of her excellence as an educator.

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Prof Najma Akhtar’s success is not a matter of coincidence, but the result of sustained effort, intellectual commitment, and unwavering determination. From earning a gold medal as a student to receiving the Padma Shri, her journey stands as a powerful example of leadership, educational reform, and dedication to academic excellence, inspiring generations of students, scholars, and women across the country.