By TCN News,
Kozhikode: The first-ever woman vice-chancellor of the Calicut University leaves office today after completing her term of four years. Prof Anvar Jahan Zuberi (63) is also the first Muslim woman VC of Kerala. Prof Zuberi came to Calicut on deputation from the Aligarh University four years ago to take charge from Syed Iqbal Hasnain.
The VC steps down after introducing several new methods in the university. The choice-based credit and semester system was implemented in the graduate and post-graduate levels. Three new schools of studies including one on nano science were introduced. Three chairs and six new courses were introduced. Three new centres of study were opened in the Gulf. The examination system was totally computerized. The university also got the B grade of the NAC. The university had requested permission from the UGC earlier this month to begin a manuscript library of Arabic, Urdu and Persian manuscript works, which had not yet been published.
The term of Prof Zuberi also witnessed several strikes and protests in the university, the latest being the strike against the alleged efforts to leak question papers. The dismissal of Dr PP Muhammed, the registrar appointed by the last VC, also invited widespread criticism. Another act that invited huge criticism was the dismissal of eight lecturers, in which case the victims have approached court against the university.
Zuberi hails from Itawa in UP. The postgraduate in English and Education sees teaching as a passion. So after leaving Calicut, she will return to the Education College in the Aligarh University, where she had been serving prior to coming to Calicut.
The Vice-Chancellor of the Kannur University PK Michael Tharakan was given the charge of the Calicut University VC on February 22 by the Chancellor. Mr Tharakan will continue in the post till a new VC is appointed. Efforts to select a new VC have already begun, but it is not reportedly moving smooth. A three-member panel consisting of one representative each of the Calicut University Senate, state Governor and the UGC wil select the new VC. Adv CH Ashiq is the representative of the Senate and the Governor has named the Chief Secretary as his representative, but the UGC has not yet named its representative. Education Minister MA Baby yesterday pointed towards some forces trying to hinder the measures to appoint a new VC.
There are reports that the UDF might try to postpone the immediate appointment of a VC when the Assembly election are round the corner and the front is most likely to come to power. Whereas, the LDF is trying to make the appointment soon, before it leaves power.