Dharampeth Science College principal appointed new NU pro-VC

Nagpur: After months of delay, Nagpur University (NU) appointed Akhilesh Peshwe as full-time pro-vice chancellor on Monday, following approval from its management council.The post had remained vacant since September 2024. During this period, pharmaceutical sciences professor Rajendra Kakde and physics professor Subhash Kondawar served as in-charge pro-vice chancellors under acting vice chancellors Prashant Bokare and Madhavi Chawre, both holding additional charge.After Manali Kshirsagar assumed office as vice chancellor in December 2025, the appointment was expected soon. However, it was delayed as the university had to select from a pool of over 35 candidates proposed by academic and political groups.Kshirsagar said the selection required careful evaluation of candidates' merit and performance in their current roles. "It was not possible to rush the decision," she said, adding that the process may have been quicker had the candidate been from her engineering background.Observers view Peshwe's appointment as a strategic choice, given his extensive academic experience and familiarity with conventional university systems at a time when NU is grappling with examination-related challenges and the conduct of summer exams.Peshwe said his focus would be on implementing the vice chancellor's vision and streamlining the examination system.An English literature academic, he has over 30 years of teaching experience and has been principal of Dharampeth Science College since 2016.