Professor Patrick Verkooijen in handshake with President Dr William Ruto. Credit uonbi.ac.ke
Renowned academic and climate change expert, Professor Patrick Verkooijen, has been appointed as the new Chancellor of the University of Nairobi, Kenya.
The appointment, made by His Excellency President Dr William Ruto, marks a significant milestone as Professor Verkooijen becomes the first Chancellor from overseas to hold this prestigious position. His official tenure will commence on February 1, 2024.
You will also like...
As a leading institution for higher learning, research, and innovation in the local and regional context, the University of Nairobi welcomes this appointment with anticipation.
The university looks forward to advancing its position as a beacon of knowledge development and leadership under Professor Verkooijen’s guidance.
Leveraging his extensive global network and expertise in educational development, climate adaptation, and the green economy, Professor Verkooijen aims to unlock the University’s full potential. The goal is to establish it as a centre of excellence and a trailblazer for Africa’s sustainable prosperity journey.
In response to the announcement, President Dr. William Ruto expressed his excitement, stating, “I am thrilled that Professor Verkooijen will be leading the nation’s premier educational institution.”
The President highlighted the importance of education in realizing Africa’s potential and expressed confidence in Professor Verkooijen’s ability to contribute to the continent’s development.
In accepting the role, Professor Verkooijen acknowledged the honour bestowed upon him, recognizing the University of Nairobi as an academic powerhouse with a commitment to excellence.
He expressed determination to address pressing challenges, particularly the climate emergency, and pledged to make the university a hub for incubating African talent.
University officials, including Professor Amukowa Anangwe, Chair of the University of Nairobi, and Professor Stephen Kiama, Vice-Chancellor, shared their optimism about the appointment.
They emphasized the need for international partnerships and the university’s ambition to become a world-class institution.
Global leaders, including Ban Ki-moon, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, Kristalina Georgieva, and Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, lauded Professor Verkooijen’s appointment.
They praised his dedication to addressing climate change and sustainability issues, expressing confidence that his leadership will elevate the University of Nairobi to new heights.
What’s your impression of this story?
