Mon May 05 15:59:08 UTC 2025: ## Kerala University Syndicate Meeting Descends into Chaos Over Professor’s Promotion
**THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, May 5, 2025** – A special Syndicate meeting at Kerala University devolved into chaos on Monday as members clashed over the promotion of a professor, S. Nazeeb, whose appointment is currently under scrutiny by the Governor.
The controversy surrounds Dr. Nazeeb’s promotion to Associate Professor, which was approved by the Syndicate but later stalled by the Vice-Chancellor (in-charge), Mohanan Kunnummal. The Vice-Chancellor cited concerns that Dr. Nazeeb’s prior experience at Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit didn’t meet University Grants Commission (UGC) regulations. The matter was subsequently referred to the Governor for review after a Kerala High Court directive.
Monday’s meeting saw heated exchanges between Left-backed members, who defended Dr. Nazeeb’s promotion, and BJP-backed members who argued it violated UGC guidelines. An attempt to pass a resolution against the Vice-Chancellor failed amidst the escalating tension. Left-backed members insist the Syndicate’s decision should stand, while the BJP-backed members maintain that the promotion is not compliant with UGC norms. The dispute highlights the deep political divisions within the university’s governing body.
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