10 Jul 2021

President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi has appointed Professor Sheila Tlou chancellor of Botswana Open University (BOU).

Speaking during the inauguration of the university's second chancellor in Gaborone on Friday, Dr Masisi said he had embarked on a journey to appoint competent, well abled women to positions of power.
He said Prof. Tlou’s diligence, dedication and distinction earned her enviable positions of influence both in the International system as well as here at home.

Dr Masisi further hailed Prof. Tlou for being a trail blazer in many respects, adding that she brought to her role a wealth of knowledge, experience and wisdom.

He said Prof. Tlou was a distinguished citizen who meticulously served Botswana government and the world at large, indicating that her countless good deeds and passion for work had been recognised the world over.
The President hailed Prof. Tlou, saying she spent time working to forge collaborative relationships between academia, government and the civil society, adding that she had been a Member of Parliament as well as a cabinet minister.

Dr Masisi said her work in the nursing field and HIV/AIDS contributed immensely to the transformation of Botswana healthcare system, through her leadership position and capabilities.

He further said the selfless commitment, competence and intelligence she demonstrated in Botswana contributed to her appointment as a director of UNAIDS Regional Support Team for Eastern and Southern Africa, Director of the World Health Organisation (WHO) Collaborating Centre for Nursing and Midwifery Development in Primary Healthcare for Anglophone Africa, among other international duties she had undertaken.

Dr Masisi said Prof. Tlou’s appointment was based on her solid record of achievements and leadership abilities.

For her Part, Prof. Tlou expressed gratitude for her appointment as the second chancellor and first female chancellor of BOU.

She promised to deliver, to promote goodwill and endeavour to mobilise resources for the University. Prof. Tlou was appointed BOU Chancellor as per Section 7 (1) of the Botswana Open University Act of 13 of 2017 and her appointment makes her the second chancellor of the institution and first woman in the country to hold such a position.

She replaces Dr Ponatshego Kedikilwe, who retired as chancellor at the end of 2020 and her tenure, having started May 2021, will end April 2026. Ends