11 Jul 2021

Professor Sheila Tlou has been installed as Botswana Open University’s (BOU) first woman chancellor for a five-year term.

Officiating at the installation ceremony held in Gaborone on Friday, President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi said her appointment was part of  his mission to appoint competent women to positions of authority.

The President said Prof Tlou, who is BOU’s second chancellor,  was appointed on the basis of her solid achievement record and leadership abilities.

Describing her as a trailblazer, he said she brought to her role a wealth of knowledge, experience and wisdom.

President Masisi said Prof Tlou’s diligence, dedication and distinction earned her enviable positions of influence both internationally and locally.

He said Prof Tlou was a distinguished citizen who meticulously served Botswana and the world at large.

Her countless good deeds and passion for work had been recognised the world over, he said.

Prof Tlou, a former MP and cabinet minister, spent time working to forge collaborative relationships between academia, government and civil society, said the President.

Dr Masisi said her work in the nursing field and HIV/AIDS contributed immensely to the transformation of Botswana health care system.

Her selfless commitment, competence and intelligence contributed to her appointment to the directorship of both UNAIDS Regional Support Team for Eastern and Southern Africa and WHO Collaborating Centre for Nursing and Midwifery Development in Primary Health Care for Anglophone Africa.

Prof Tlou, the first woman to ascend to the BOU chancellorship, replaces Dr Ponatshego Kedikilwe who retired last year.

For her part, Prof Tlou promised to deliver, promote goodwill and mobilise resources for the university. ENDS