Magoha to retire as University of Nairobi VC after 10 years of service
Prof George A.O. Magoha, who will retire as the University of Nairobi's vice-chancellor after serving in that capacity since 2005. PHOTO | DENISH OCHIENG | NATION MEDIA GROUP
What you need to know:
- Qualified Kenyans have been asked to apply for the vacancy.
- Those interested have until September 26, 2014 to put in their applications.
- Prof Magoha asked the council to look for a well-qualified person who will steer the university to the next level.
- He will preside over his last graduation ceremony as VC in December 2014.
The University of Nairobi vice-chancellor George Magoha is set to retire after serving the institution for 10 years in that capacity.
On Wednesday, the university council's chairman, Dr Idle Omar Farah, announced the vacancy in the office and asked qualified Kenyans to apply.
Those interested have until September 26, 2014 to put in their applications.
The council wants a full professor and holder of an earned doctorate degree or an equivalent qualification from a university recognised in Kenya.
“The candidate should also have knowledge in structural, legislative and regulatory framework for administering university education in Kenya,” said the ad in local dailies.
The ideal candidate is also expected to have at least ten years hands-on experience at a senior level in managing a large and complex university or equivalent institution with demonstrable leadership, and management capacity, including knowledge of public financial management and strategic people management.
“Be an accomplished scholar with (a) proven track record in formulating and managing academic programs and supervising and mentoring Masters and PhD students,” said the advert.
PROVEN TRACK RECORD
The candidate should also have a proven track record of research and publications in peer-reviewed journals, monographs and books, demonstrable experience in networking, fundraising and resource mobilization.
According to the Universities Act of 2012, the Vice-Chancellor is allowed to hold office for a duration of five years with the possibility of a one-time renewal for a further term of five years, subject to a positive appraisal by the council.
The university has a total student population of more than 70,000, and 5,500 employees.
It was founded in 1954 as the Royal Technical College of East Africa.
It became a chartered autonomous University of Nairobi in 1970.
Speaking during the university’s 51st graduation ceremony, Prof Magoha asked the council to look for a well-qualified person who would steer the university to the next level.
“December will be my last graduation as the VC. I urge the council to look for the best candidate to replace me after serving my period,” said Prof Magoha.
BIOGRAPHY
Prof Magoha has been the vice-chancellor of the University of Nairobi since January 2005.
He is a professor of surgery and a consultant urologist.
In August 2013, he was elected as the president of the Association of Medical Councils of Africa (Amcoa) for a period of 2 years.
He has also been the chairman of the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Board (KMPDB) since 2009.
Born in 1952, Prof Magoha attended primary school in Yala and Nairobi before joining Starehe Boys Centre and Strathmore College for his high school education.
Later, he proceeded to the University of Lagos in Nigeria, where he studied medicine.
He furthered his studies in surgery and urology at Lagos University Teaching Hospital, University College Hospital in Ibadan, the Royal College of Surgeons in Dublin, Ireland, and the Royal Postgraduate Medical School Hammersmith Hospital in London.
He also studied executive management at Stanford University's Graduate School of Business.
Prof Magoha joined the University of Nairobi as a lecturer in urological surgery in 1988 and became a full professor of surgery in 2000.
He is the current chairman of the African Network of Scientific and Technological Institutions (ANSTI). Since 2009, he has represented Africa in the Confucius Council in Beijing, China.
