30 May 2021

Professor Sheila Tlou says she will continue honouring the call to serve humanity with passion and excellence.

She said this following her appointment as Botswana Open University (BOU) chancellor.

Prof. Tlou said she was humbled by the appointment by President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi.

She said although it was a ceremonial post, she would not be slowing down to give back to the community that nurtured her to what she was today.

Prof. Tlou, who is currently based in South Africa, said she would add positivity to BOU and would work to create a conducive environment for correspondent courses. 

She said it was time Batswana did courses that were marketable outside the country so that they could be employable anywhere in the world.

Prof Tlou is a former Member of Parliament and Minister of Health. She is also a former Professor of Nursing at the University of Botswana and director of WHO Collaborating Centre for Nursing and Midwifery Development in Primary Health Care for Anglophone Africa.

She has conducted research and taught courses in nursing, pre-medical and social sciences on gender issues relating to HIV/AIDS, sexual and reproductive health and rights, ageing and older persons.

She has played a key role in the development of the national nursing and medical education curricula. She has also worked to broaden the scope of health sciences education in Botswana.

Prof. Tlou is also widely recognised as a visionary leader and champion, particularly through her initiatives on HIV/AIDS, gender, and women’s health.

Professor Tlou headed the Nursing Education Faculty at the University of Botswana, and has made outstanding achievements in the development of the nursing profession both in Botswana and abroad.

She has published numerous articles and books on international health and development issues.

Prof. Tlou holds a PhD in Nursing Sciences and post-graduate certificates in women’s health and gender studies from the University of Illinois in Chicago. She has a Master’s degree in Nursing Education and Instruction from Columbia University, a Master of Science in Nursing from the Catholic University of America, and a Bachelor of Nursing degree from Dillard University in New Orleans.

She has many publications on gender issues relating to HIV/AIDS, older persons, menopause, and community-based approaches to HIV prevention.

A press release from the Ministry of Tertiary Education, Research, Science and Technology, states that the appointment is effective from May 2021 to April 2026.

The release further states that Professor Tlou replaces Dr Ponatshego Kedikilwe, who retired as chancellor at the end of 2020.

Furthermore, the release states that Professor Tlou has been a trail blazer in many respects and brings a wealth of knowledge, experience and wisdom.

Furthermore, the release notes that Prof. Tlou has made the Avance Media’s list of 100 Most Influential Women in Africa, and is currently the co-chair of the Global HIV Prevention Coalition and the co-chair of the Nursing Now Global Campaign. ends