15 Feb 2018

Dr Daniel Tau has been appointed the first vice-chancellor of the Botswana Open University for a period of five years with effect from April 1.

A press release from the Ministry of Tertiary Education, Research, Science and Technology explains that Dr Tau, who has been appointed by the minister, is the inaugural chief executive officer of the Botswana College of Distance and Open Learning (BOCODOL).

It further says armed with Doctorate Degree in Education, he was instrumental in the development of initial systems and processes required for effective Open and Distance Learning (ODL) provision in line with the Botswana Revised National Policy on Education.

“He transformed BOCODOL into a globally reputable ODL in institution and then it was conferred with an Award of Excellence by the Commonwealth of Learning (COL) in 2006,” it states.

The release highlights that the college has, since 2005, been hosting the Southern African Development Community’s Centre for Distance Education (SADC-CDE) which is mandated by both SADC and COL to build ODL capacity across the SADC region and Dr Tau has successfully steered the transformation of BOCODOL into Botswana Open University.

It further explains that Dr Tau served the Botswana education system as a teacher for 19 years prior to joining BOCODOL in 1999 and his service record includes headship of secondary schools for a total of 15 years.

Parallel o his service as an educationist, Dr Tau has between 2000 and 2012 served as a chairperson member of Botswana Vision Council from June 2005 to June 2012. In addition, he has served as chairperson of the Botswana National Sports Council from 2008 to 2011.

The press release further says he currently serves as a member of the Botswana Examinations Council and he is a sport enthusiast, certified by FIFA for football refereeing and coaching.

It highlights that he is also a strong advocate of life-long learning and has obtained a Masters of Education (Management) in 1997, certificate in Open and Learning Policy in 2003 and Doctor of Education in 2006 while working full time.

He was conferred with the presidential order of meritorious service in September 2011, African Education Leadership award in November 2013 and Commonwealth of Learning Honourary Fellow in December 2013. Ends