Lydia Aziato

"The training of a nurse or midwife is more skills-based, and so they are trained to care, not to write papers or research. But I decided that, once I found myself in academia, I needed to do what it would take to be a rounded academic – not only a clinical nurse, but to be able to have that tag of an academic."

"Once you know you are competent, you know you are qualified, and you get appointed, it goes to substantiate the fact that what you have worked for has come to light."

"Leadership positions have been reserved for men. After becoming the fourth woman vice-chancellor in the country, I saw it as a good sign that the world is ready to accept the leadership of women and also, being young, in terms of age, it also tells me that young people can also see a future – that they don’t need to wait until they are old before being given the opportunity."

"It also tells me that, if you want something, you must carve the path for what you want. You don’t get there before trying to put things in order."

"You must start demonstrating competence, quality, consistency over the years. I feel that, with this appointment, it shows that no matter your background, you can achieve your dream. I come from a poor background"

". I have also used mentors from all over the globe that I followed over the years to build myself. Learning from these people has helped me to navigate my space."