In a significant development for higher education in Uttar Pradesh, Chancellor and Governor Anandiben Patel on Saturday appointed Professor Jai Prakash Saini as the new Vice-Chancellor of Lucknow University. His tenure is set for a period of three years.
A Proven Leader from MMMUT Gorakhpur
Prof Saini arrives at Lucknow University from his current position as the Vice-Chancellor of Madan Mohan Malaviya University of Technology (MMMUT) in Gorakhpur. His leadership at MMMUT is widely recognized, particularly for the institution's strong performance in the recent NIRF 2025 Rankings. Under his guidance, the university achieved notable ranks, including 99th overall, 60th in engineering, 68th in the university category, 83rd in management, and 23rd among State Universities.
The selection process for the prestigious LU VC post was highly competitive, with reports indicating that IITians and senior scientists were among the top contenders. Prof Saini's extensive experience and proven track record ultimately secured him the role.
An Illustrious Academic and Administrative Career
Prof Jai Prakash Saini brings over 34 years of rich experience in academics, research, and academic administration. His educational foundation is robust: he completed his BTech from KNIT Sultanpur, pursued an MTech in electrical engineering from the prestigious IIT Kanpur, and earned his PhD in electronics engineering, again from KNIT Sultanpur.
His career includes a long teaching stint in electronics and communication engineering at the Bundelkhand Institute of Engineering and Technology (BIET), Jhansi. At BIET, he held multiple leadership positions, including serving as the head of the department for three tenures, dean of research and development, and taking on key roles in the World Bank-assisted TEQIP project.
Significant Contributions to Examination Systems and Research
Prof Saini's administrative acumen is further highlighted by his crucial contributions to the state's examination framework. He served as the coordinator for the UP State Entrance Exam for two terms in 2008 and 2015, and managed the SEE online counselling system from 2004 to 2008. Earlier, he was the additional examination controller from January 2001 to July 2004.
As a researcher, his output is prolific. He has published more than 200 international and national research papers and has supervised numerous PhD and MTech theses. His research in electronic engineering has been featured in renowned international journals and conference proceedings by publishers like Springer-Verlag, Elsevier, and IEEE. He also actively contributes as a reviewer for various international journals and has been a member of academic and research committees at several universities.
The appointment of Prof Saini marks a new chapter for Lucknow University. With his deep administrative experience, strong research background, and a demonstrated ability to elevate institutional rankings, the academic community anticipates positive strides for the historic university under his leadership.
