Equity Bank Group chief executive officer Dr. James Mwangi has been named as the Chancellor of the Open University of Kenya.
Dr. Mwangi was appointed to the role by President Ruto when he launched and gave Charter to Kenya’s first virtual university.
“In accordance with the requirements of the law, I William Samoei Ruto, the President of Kenya and Commander in Chief of the Armed forces, satisfied that the awarding of charter to the Open University of Kenya will be of benefit to the advancement of the University Education in Kenya,” President Ruto said.
President Ruto also appointed Professor Ezra Maritim as the university council’s chairperson.
“I was very specific when I told CS Machogu who the Chancellor for Open University of Kenya should be because this is a bottom up institution,” President Ruto said on why he chose Dr. James Mwangi for the role.
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The varsity will operate under the theme ‘The Innovative University for Inclusive Prosperity’.
“I would like to thank President Ruto for giving me the opportunity to serve as the first chancellor of this new university. I’m humbled that you have given me a responsibility to provide this service for this country on your behalf which I humbly accept,” Dr. Mwangi said.
“You have bestowed on me the trust to perform the function of a chancellor just when my service as the chancellor of Meru University has just ended having served from 2013 to 2023. I can assure you that I will bring the insights that I’ve learnt to this new university.”
The Open University of Kenya is expected to enroll its first batch of students in September 2023. It is expected to be a welcome relief for students who wish to pursue their studies remotely.