Mary Okwakol

Mary Jossy Nakhanda Okwakol (born 1951) is a Ugandan university professor, academic administrator, zoologist and community leader. She is the current chairperson of the Uganda National Examinations Board. She holds the degree of Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Zoology, obtained in 1974, from Makerere University, the oldest university in East Africa. She also holds the degree of Master of Science (MSc), in Zoology, obtained in 1976, also from Makerere University. Her degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Zoology was also obtained from Makerere University, in 1992.

Quotes

• Education is the key to empowerment and development. As educators, our role is not just to transmit knowledge, but to build confidence, critical thinking skills, and a sense of responsibility in our students.
  • Higher institutions of learning to open after three months, The Independent (January 28, 2021)

• Strive to be purpose-driven, choose to be role models and always walk the talk so as to have idealized influences. Have genuine concern for those you lead, be innovative and challenge your followers to do likewise. It is transformational leaders who will build transformational institutions.
  • [1] Speaking on transformational leadership

• Women at all levels have the ability to care for and nurture others. Women bring commitment to teaching as well as supporting the learners, be they male or female. Furthermore, the presence of women in policy making leads to more balanced policies.
  • [2] Speaking on promoting the advancement of women in leadership and management in Higher Education

• Take good care of your health and wellbeing. The only way I manage is by doing exercise every day! It is very important that all parts of your body receive that flow of blood.
  • [3] Speaking on physical fitness in advancing career.

• I owe all that I am to my unschooled but educated parents who despite not having gone to formal school, still had the wisdom to value the education of the girl child instead of marriage, as was the case then.
  • [4] Speaking on her background