Leaving with pride and no grudges, says Kannur University VC Khader Mangad

KANNUR: “Four years ago when I assumed charge of vice-chancellor of the state’s youngest university, I decided to implement a few things to make Kannur university one of the best in the country. Although I cannot say that I have done all 100 per cent, I can say that that more than 50 per cent of what I promised has been realised.  I am leaving the office a happy man and without any grudges towards anyone including those who had targeted me personally out of vengeance,” said Kannur University vice-chancellor Dr M.K Abdul Khader, popularly known as Khader Mangad.  He is leaving the post on April 12.

One of his most important achievements was the introduction of the industry –linked M.Sc Wood Sciences Course. When the earlier wood sciences course was on the verge of closure due to the shortage of students, the introduction of the new course in collaboration with Western India Plywoods has enabled students to earn a monthly stipend of Rs 5000. The students will also get a two-year work experience certificate when they pass out. The first batch will pass out in June and the varsity is planning campus recruitment with international companies. “It was during a visit to German universities, I thought of replicating that idea in Kannur. Today it is one of the most sought after courses,” Dr Khader added.

Dr Khader was also appointed as the in-charge VC of Calicut University for 100 days from August 11, 2015. The campus was in turmoil due to protests by staff and students, but Dr Khader successfully settled the issues. The official farewell programme for him was the first in the history of Calicut organized for an interim VC by all University stakeholders. He also played a major role in bringing Central University of Kerala (CUK) to Periye. During his tenure, Dr Khader had also faced some tough times with a vigilance enquiry on misappropriation in the PhD attendance register. Dr Khader, also tried his luck in electoral politics, contesting on a Congress ticket from Kasargod in the 1998 and 1999 Lok Sabha elections but failed. He was the principal of Nehru College Kanhangad. His wife Dr Naseema is an assistant professor in physics in Nehru College. She is also the first Muslim woman from Kasargod with a doctorate to become a College lecturer. The couple has three children-Dr Noufal, Dr Ayishath and Azim.