New Chancellor Prof. Verkooijen Reveals UoN’s Path to Becoming Africa’s Premier University
The newly appointed Chancellor of the University of Nairobi (UoN), Prof. Patrick Verkooijen, expressed confidence in his ability to elevate the institution to international acclaim during an interview on Citizen TV’s JKLive Show.
Prof. Patrick Verkooijen asserted that with his extensive global network and influence, he is well-suited to position Kenya’s top tertiary institution on the global stage and establish it as the premier university in Africa.
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Speaking of his role as a bridge between the West and Africa, a role he has played in the past, the Dutch environmentalist emphasized the need for a Chancellor with connections to the global North to secure the funding required for the university’s transformation.
Verkooijen outlined his commitment to making UoN the continent’s top university, stating, “We want to become and we will become the number one university on the continent.”
Prof. Verkooijen, aged 55, highlighted his significant experience as the CEO of the Global Center on Adaptation (GCA) and various global environmental agencies.
He believes that this experience will be instrumental in shaping the University of Nairobi into a world-class institution.
During the interview, he reported that within two years, he facilitated the channeling of approximately Ksh.1.4 trillion to Africa, citing his active role in mobilizing financial resources from the global North for climate adaptation.
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He stressed the importance of addressing Africa’s challenges in the face of the climate emergency.
In expressing his commitment to the Chancellor’s role, he described it as a dual responsibility – bringing the University of Nairobi to the world and bringing the world to the University of Nairobi.
Prof. Verkooijen characterized this assignment as exciting and humbling, emphasizing his determination to make it a reality.
Appointed earlier this year by President William Ruto, Prof. Verkooijen succeeds Dr. Vijoo Rattansi and is set to serve in the position for a five-year term. Dr. Rattansi had previously served the university for a decade.
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New Chancellor Prof. Verkooijen Reveals UoN’s Path to Becoming Africa’s Premier University
