The University of Nairobi student body led by its President Monicah Malith has warmly welcome Professor Patrick Verkooijen to the institution and they strongly believes that he has what it takes to take the University to the next level.
In a statement released to the media rooms, President Malith said that all students were happy to be led by such a distinguished and accomplished figure.
” The student body of the University of Nairobi extends its enthusiastic congratulations to prof. Dr. Professor Patrick Verkooijen on his appointment as Chancellor of the University of Nairobi. We are thrilled to be led by such a distinguished and accomplished figure, ” said Malith in her statements.
She added that prof. Professor Patrick Verkooijen global leadership, vibrant energy, and dedication to engaging young people inpires us the student.
” His global leadership, vibrant energy, and dedication to engaging young people inpires us deeply, we are confident that under his guidance, our University will not only experience accelerated institutional growth but also become a manager for global opportunities, scholarships, jobs, mentorship programmes, internships, and invaluable networks for students, ” she said.
Malith who has taken the university to a higher heights as the President added that the new VC’s extensive expertise in diverse development fields across the globe fills students with immense hope for their future and were looking forward to working and learning from what he has to offer.
The U.O.N President remarks comes after President William Ruto on Thursday appointed Professor Patrick Verkooijen as the new Chancellor of the University of Nairobi.
Prof Verkooijen was appointed to serve in his new capacity for the next five years.
“I, William Samoei Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya and Commander in Chief of the Defence Forces, appoint Patrick V. Verkooijen (Prof.) to be the Chancellor of the University of Nairobi, for five years, with effect from the 12th January 2024,” reads a gazette notice seen by the Star.
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.
He holds a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Engineering, a Master of Science in Philosophy and a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Sustainable Development Diplomacy.
He also hold a Master of Public Affairs, International Negotiations, as well as a Doctor of Science, Honoris Causa, of the University of Nairobi in recognition of his long career and achievements in championing climate action globally and shaping bold action at scale in Africa