The newly appointed Chancellor of the University of Nairobi Patrick Verkooijen has committed to advancing the academic institution to new heights, positioning it as a nurturing ground for African talent.
Reacting to his appointment by President William Ruto on Friday, Verkooijen welcomed his new role, saying he was aware the job comes with a burden of responsibility.
“It is an extraordinary honour to be appointed by the President to join the University of Nairobi as Chancellor. I am acutely aware of the burden of responsibility this seat carries with it,” Verkooijen said in a statement.
The UON Chancellor also revealed that he is inspired not only by the university’s commitment to excellence but also by the passion of its staff and community for tackling the continent’s most pressing issues and challenges.
“The scale and urgency of these challenges, foremost among which is the climate emergency, requires all of us to harness resources for the public good and to realize the opportunities they provide for economic growth and sustainable job creation," he added.
In addition, Verkooijen noted that he is determined to ensure the university attains its goals as it grows to be the incubator of talent in Africa under his reign.
Prof Verkooijen will serve in his new capacity for the next five years.
He replaces Professor Amukowa Anangwe who has been serving as Acting Chancellor.
Before he was appointed Chancellor, Prof Verkooijen served as the Distinguished Chair of The Wangari Maathai Institute for Peace and Environmental Studies by the University of Nairobi.
He was appointed to this role in September 2022.
Prof Verkooijen is also the CEO of the Global Center on Adaptation, and the Ban Ki-moon Chair on Climate Adaptation Governance at the University of Groningen.
He previously served as the World Bank Group Special Representative on Climate Change.
Anangwe welcomed the appointment of Verkooijen, saying he brings solid experience that will take the university to the next level in its quest to become a world-class institution.
“To be able to achieve such a status there is a need for a new mindset to embrace international partnerships for the greater good of scholarship,” Anangwe said.