UON VC Ayub Njoroge/UON X
Professor Ayub Njoroge Gitau has pledged to steer the University of Nairobi into a new chapter of renewal and competitiveness after being formally installed as the institution's ninth Vice-Chancellor.
The installation ceremony, held at Taifa Hall on Friday, marked the official handover of leadership from Professor Stephen Kiama.
In his inaugural address, Gitau committed to strengthening the university's identity while positioning it to compete effectively on the national and global stage.
"I commit to providing direction that will strengthen the University of Nairobi's institutional identity and continue to position the university competitively in the national, regional and international arena," he said.
The new Vice-Chancellor said one of the most important lessons he had learnt since assuming office was the value of listening to stakeholders, pledging to embrace an inclusive leadership style.
"As I take on this role, one of the most valuable lessons I have learnt since assuming office as the Vice-Chancellor is the importance of active listening," Gitau said.
He also unveiled his vision for the country's oldest university, describing it as an institution that develops visionary leaders and advances transformative knowledge.
"To position UoN as the university that develops visionary leaders, advances transformative knowledge, and inspires innovations that shape the future of Kenya, Africa and the world," he said while outlining his aspirations for the institution.
Gitau also took a moment to acknowledge his family's role in his academic and professional journey.
"Whatever I have become today rests firmly upon the foundation you so selflessly built," he said in a tribute to his family during the installation ceremony.
Speaking to the press after the event, the Vice-Chancellor identified declining government capitation as one of the key financial challenges facing public universities.
He added UoN would pursue alternative sources of revenue to strengthen its financial position.
He said the university would place greater emphasis on research and grant mobilisation while leveraging its extensive alumni network to support institutional growth.
"The government capitation has been going down. We are involving our research base, grant attraction—this is our major area of revenue. We also have to diversify the use of our alumni," Gitau said.
Gitau's appointment ushers in a new phase for the University of Nairobi, with expectations that his administration will focus on restoring institutional stability, improving financial sustainability and enhancing the university's reputation as one of Africa's leading centres of higher learning.
