IN a bid to promote Kiswahili within and outside the country, University of Dar es Salaam Vice- Chancellor, Prof Rwekaza Mukandala has advised some subjects to be taught using the language.
The award was prepared by the University’s Institute of Kiswahili Studies (IKS) and presented to him by the former first lady and the first Kiswahili Ambassador in Africa, Mama Salma Kikwete.
“I think it is high time now we start carrying out pilot studies on using Kiswahili in teaching some of the subjects, not all, and it is possible. I and others are capable, since we do write academic books in Swahili language, there is no reason as to why we should not teach in Kiswahili,” said Prof Mukandala.
He said if there is availability of material for teaching in Swahili language, then there is no reason to continue embracing other languages in studies, adding that academicians and scholars should help in making this dream came true by producing a number of books and publications in Swahili language.
During his administration up to date, Prof Mukandala made possible for Kiswahili to be used in the university’s council meetings, and directed it to be the official language to be used in all documents as means of communication, and hence made UDSM to be the first university to use Kiswahili in its high level decision meetings.
By doing so, Prof Mukandala helped the university lecturers to be competent in the language, and new words were formed to replace English words that were frequently used.
On her part, the guest of honour who is also the Kiswahili Ambassador in Africa, Mama Salma Kikwete, applauded Prof Mukandala’s efforts in promoting Kiswahili, and urged responsible authorities to develop and promote Kiswahili.
Mama Salma however urged his successor to take where Prof Mukandala left in promoting and developing Kiswahili language, adding that other universities can borrow a leaf from UDSM in using Kiswahili as their official communication language.
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