Rédaction Africa Links 24 with JOHN MUCHANGI
Published on 2024-02-01 20:00:00
Recently appointed University of Nairobi chancellor, Prof Patrick Verkooijen, has a formulated response to the critics of his appointment, which took place last month. The Dutch climate advocate officially assumed his role as the UoN chancellor on Thursday, making history as the first foreign chancellor of a public university in Kenya.
In response to the criticism of his appointment, Prof Verkooijen acknowledged the skepticism expressed by those who believe a Kenyan should have been appointed as chancellor. He stated, “I understand you, I understand your scepticism because there are great Kenyans who could have been chancellor. But the culture of academia is that we look at different views.” He also anticipated the scrutiny surrounding his appointment, emphasizing that his non-Kenyan, non-African status would naturally elicit a range of reactions.
Despite this skepticism, Prof Verkooijen attested to receiving overwhelming support from the university senate, council, and students. He further justified his fit for the job, asserting that he shares common ground with the people of Kenya while also bringing a unique global network asset.
Acknowledging the qualities of resilience and adaptability in the people of Kenya, Prof Verkooijen expressed his appreciation for the humility and modesty of the citizens he has encountered, emphasizing these qualities as essential given the natural forces present in the country.
In light of the financial challenges facing UoN and other public universities, Verkooijen highlighted his immediate goal of establishing partnerships to generate funding and support research, with the aim of steering the university towards success in a changing world.
Before assuming the role of UoN chancellor, Prof Verkooijen held the position of CEO of the Global Center on Adaptation, an international organization dedicated to addressing the global climate emergency. His work at this organization involved close collaboration with Ban Ki-Moon, the 8th UN Secretary General and architect of the Paris Agreement. Furthermore, he previously served as the World Bank Special Representative for Climate Change and headed its climate smart agriculture initiative.
In addition to his current role, Prof Verkooijen also serves as the Distinguished Chair of The Wangari Maathai Institute for Peace and Environmental Studies at the University of Nairobi and holds the chair on Climate Adaptation Governance at the University of Groningen, Netherlands. He has also managed the Global Commission on Adaptation, co-chaired by Ban Ki-Moon and co-led by Kristalina Georgieva and Bill Gates.
Prior to his current appointments, Prof Verkooijen was a Professor of Practice of Sustainable Development Diplomacy at the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University in Massachusetts. He holds a PhD from Wageningen University, an MPA from Harvard University, a Master of Science degree in Social and Political Philosophy from the University of Amsterdam, and an environmental engineering degree from HU University of Applied Sciences Utrecht.
In summary, Prof Patrick Verkooijen’s appointment as the University of Nairobi chancellor marks a significant milestone as he takes on the challenge of steering the institution through its financial struggles and into a future of prosperity and success. With his extensive background in climate advocacy and global leadership roles, he is poised to bring valuable expertise and a unique perspective to the university’s endeavors.
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