Verkooijen plans to resolve leadership, financial woes at UoN

University of Nairobi (UoN ) Chancellor Patrick Verkooijen has urged the university’s leadership to resolve internal conflicts, saying stability is key to achieving excellence.

Speaking during the university’s 73rd graduation ceremony, Verkooijen said having stable leadership and improved staff-student ratios would help in enhancing the institution’s global standing.

“We can not only be the greatest university in Africa but one of the greatest in the world. To achieve this, first you must put the house in order. Then increase staff numbers and improve teacher-student ratios,” said Verkooijen.

He also announced plans for a two-year transformation programme with support from President William Ruto, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba and the University Council.

Prof. Amukowa Anangwe, Chair of the University Council, noted challenges including growing debts, declining funding, poor infrastructure and administrative issues such as missing marks and delayed graduations.

He outlined measures to address these concerns, including commercialising idle assets, conducting forensic audits of ICT systems and procurement and aligning human resource policies with statutory requirements.

“We plan to revamp performance contracts to boost productivity and accountability,” he noted.

Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba, represented by Dr. David Watene, urged graduates to use their education for national and continental progress.

“The hallmark of education is not just the degree you receive today but the impact you will create in the years ahead,” Ogamba’s speech read.

Acting Vice Chancellor Prof. Margaret Hutchinson commended the graduates, stating, “You embody the aspirations of your families, the strength of your communities and the promise of a brighter Kenya.”

The University aims to implement reforms and partnerships to restore its status as a leading institution of higher learning.