Professor Najma Akhtar of the National Institute of Educational Planning and Administration, New Delhi was appointed as the Vice-Chancellor of Jamia Millia Islamia University on Thursday.

“In exercise of powers conferred under statutes of JMI Act, 1988, the President of India, in his capacity as the Visitor JMI, has been ...pleased to appoint Professor Najma Akhtar as the V-C of JMI, New Delhi, for a period of five years...from the date on which she enters upon her office or until she attains the age of 70 years, whichever is earlier,” read a statement by the Centre.

Ms. Akhtar is the first woman to be appointed as the JMI V-C.

Ms. Akhtar has four decades of academic scholarship in educational leadership. She is known for spearheading international educational administrators’ course for senior officials from 130 countries for more than 15 years at National Institute of Educational Planning and Administration, the university said.