Prof. Esther Nkandu is a distinguished scholar with extensive research experience and a wealth of recognised publications. Her strengths lie in exemplary leadership skills and a proven ability to achieve goals effectively.

Esther holds a PhD in Didactics, specializing in Health Promotion and Health Education with a focus on Adolescent Reproductive Health from the University of Stellenbosch, South Africa. Additionally, she holds an Erasmus Mundus Master of Bioethics from a consortium of three universities: Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Belgium; Radboud University, Nijmegen, Netherlands; and University of Padova, Italy. Her academic credentials also include a Master of Science Degree in Physiotherapy and a Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Physiotherapy from the University of the Western Cape, South Africa, along with diplomas in International Research Ethics and Physiotherapy from the University of Cape Town and Evelyn Hone College, Zambia, respectively.

Esther’s expertise extends to Corporate Governance (CG), where she has trained numerous boards from both Government and Private Organizations on various aspects, including Board roles and responsibilities, ethical leadership, and governance of strategy and risk. She has chaired professional, stakeholder, and funder/donor meetings, including engagements with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank as Board Chair of government entities in Zambia.

Throughout her career, Esther has provided leadership at the University of Zambia’s Department of Physiotherapy and has held positions such as Acting Dean of Students in the School of Medicine and founder Dean of Students for the School of Health Sciences.

Her multifaceted expertise and leadership acumen make her a valuable asset in academia and governance alike.