Patrick Verkooijen was on Friday appointed as the new chancellor of University of Nairobi.
Verkooijen takes over Professor Amukowa Anangwe who has been serving in an acting capacity. Her will serve as chancellor for the next five years.
Following the appointment, the new chancellor has accepted the roles wholeheartedly saying he is aware of the responsibilities that come with it.
“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.
He added that he will ensure UoN achieves its goals “at it grows to be the incubator of talents in Africa under his reign.”
Verkojeein further noted that he was inspired by the staff and community’s efforts in tackling the continent’s pressing issues as well as the university’s commitment in excellency.
“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.
@ProfPatrick_GCA -“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. The University is an academic powerhouse, a glittering thread in the… pic.twitter.com/v2ZpcteUtQ
— University of Nairobi (@uonbi) January 12, 2024
While making the appointment, President William Ruto said that the chancellor was bringing experiences and leadership in confronting critical issues
” I am thrilled that Professor Verkooijen @ProfPatrick_GCAwill be leading the nation’s premier educational institution. He brings unrivalled experience in key areas and leadership in confronting critical issues that define the most important challenges for states, societies, economies and institutions of our time,” he said.
