ALIGARH, September 11: Professor (Dr) Aasim Zafar, senior faculty member of the Department of Computer Science, Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), has been appointed as the new Registrar of the University with effect from September 11, 2025. He took charge from the outgoing Registrar, Mr. Mohammad Imran (IPS).

Prof Zafar, who has more than 29 years of teaching, research, and administrative experience at national and international levels, holds a Master's degree in Computer Science and Applications and a PhD in Computer Science from AMU. His research interests span Mobile Ad hoc and Sensor Networks, Image Processing and Video Analytics, Information Retrieval, E-Systems, e-Security, Virtual Learning Environment, Neuro-Fuzzy and Soft Computing, and Software Engineering. He has published over 100 research papers in reputed international journals and conferences and guided 11 PhD scholars.

A resource person of national repute, Prof Zafar has delivered technical sessions in Faculty Development Programmes, Refresher Courses and Orientation Programmes across India, and trained over 5000 faculty members in ICT-enabled pedagogy and e-learning, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.

During his five-year international teaching assignment at King Abdulaziz University (KAU), Jeddah, Prof Zafar successfully executed three funded research projects and led the Faculty of Computing & Information Technology to achieve the prestigious ABET accreditation. He was also honoured with the "Excellence in Teaching Award" at KAU.

At AMU, Prof Zafar has significantly contributed to ICT infrastructure development and academic administration. He has served as Chairman of the Department of Computer Science and is presently working as Officer-on-Special Duty (Development). He also serves as UGC SWAYAM Coordinator, Coordinator of the IGNOU Study Centre of AMU, Convener of the University Website Committee, Convener of the Digital Monitoring Cell, Member of the CIQA, CDOE, AMU, and is part of various high-powered committees constituted by the Vice Chancellor. Under his leadership, AMU faculty members developed and launched 75 new MOOCs on the SWAYAM platform between 2024 and 2025.

He also played a vital role in executing the NMEICT-EdRP Project funded by the MHRD, Govt. of India, through which AMU developed a multilingual Library Management System (LibMS) and an Election Management System (EMS).

AMU Vice Chancellor Prof Naima Khatoon expressed appreciation for Mr Mohammad Imran (IPS), noting that "his dedicated service and efficient handling of responsibilities as Registrar have contributed greatly to the development and good governance of the University."

She also congratulated Prof Zafar, adding that his long academic and administrative experience will be an asset for the University.

Pro Vice Chancellor, Prof M Mohsin Khan, also congratulated Prof Zafar on his appointment and acknowledged the valuable services rendered by Mr Mohammad Imran (IPS), whose tenure as Registrar was marked by commitment and constructive contributions to the University's progress."