Hussain takes over as Jamia officiating V-C as tenure of Akhtar, first woman on the post, ends

Speaking to The Indian Express, Akhtar said, “The experience of being the V-C of Jamia was beyond my imagination. During my tenure, my significant achievements include giving promotions to faculty members, the high-rise expansion of the university campus, and the attainment of a Medical College. We have also managed to attain a good ranking in the NIRD and NAAC accreditation for the university.”

Akhtar, who assumed office in 2019 and her tenure ended after she turned 70 this year, said she would continue to “do my duty and serve my community and my country”.
“One does not have to be an official to do good deeds for this country,” Akhtar added, stating that she is yet to make a decision on her next role.

Meanwhile, the varsity, in its statement, noted: “He (Hussain) highlighted how the university attained new heights under the leadership of Prof Najma Akhtar reflected in the NAAC and NIRF performance. He noted that JMI is the 3rd top-ranked university in the country in the NIRF 2023 with Grade A++ by the NAAC.” The university stated that Hussain has assured the outgoing Vice-Chancellor that he would leave no stone unturned to uphold the interests of the institution both in academic and administrative matters.
The statement further said, “Consequent upon the completion of tenure of Prof. Najma Akhtar as Vice Chancellor, Jamia Millia Islamia, on November 12, 2023, Prof Eqbal Hussain, Pro-Vice Chancellor, JMI, shall discharge the duties of officiating vice chancellor, Jamia Millia Islamia, in accordance with Statute 2(6) read with Statute 4 (2) of Jamia Millia Islamia Act, 1988, with effect from November 13, 2023 (forenoon) till a new vice chancellor, JMI, assumes the charge of the Office of the Vice Chancellor.”

Hussain was appointed the Pro V-C of the university in September this year. He started his teaching career with National Law School of India University, Bengaluru, in June 1990 and joined JMI in February 1994. He also taught at Zanzibar University, Zanzibar, Tanzania, between April 2002 and March 2005. He was promoted to the post of professor at JMI on September 23, 2013.