``I see this as a really challenging appointment,'' the new V-C said, adding that ``IGNOU is a prominent, internationally recognised university and the tremendous scope of the programmes makes it even more challenging. I believe that IGNOU has a unique provider-client relation with its students and my priority will be to strengthen it.''

An expert in media, development communication and distance education, Dr Khan was the principal communication specialist with the Commonwealth of Learning (COL), Vancouver, prior to his appointment as V-C of IGNOU. During his tenure, he was responsible for the coordination and management of programmes concerning the application of communication and information technologies in open and distance learning throughout the Commonwealth.