A Life Remembered: Honoring Prof. Martha Qorro at the University of Dar es Salaam
The academic community gathered at Nkrumah Hall today 03 May, 2025 to bid farewell to Prof. Martha Ambrose Qorro, a distinguished linguist, educator, and advocate for language policy reform, who passed away on April 30, 2025. The solemn ceremony celebrated her enduring contributions to Tanzanian education and language development.
A Legacy of Language and Learning
Prof. Qorro's career at the University of Dar es Salaam spanned over four decades, during which she served as Associate Professor at the Centre for Communication Studies. Her academic journey began with a BA in Education from UDSM in 1977, followed by an MA in Linguistics from the University of Bangor, Wales, and culminated in a Ph.D. in Linguistics from UDSM in 1999. Her doctoral research focused on the challenges of teaching and learning English writing in Tanzanian secondary schools, highlighting the gap between secondary education and tertiary requirements.
Prof. Qorro was renowned for her advocacy of Kiswahili as the medium of instruction in Tanzanian schools. She co-authored influential works such as _Language Crisis in Tanzania: The Myth of English versus Education_ and contributed to the Iraqw-English dictionary, reflecting her commitment to both national and indigenous languages.
A Gathering of Esteemed Mourners
The farewell service at Nkrumah Hall was attended by a multitude of dignitaries, reflecting Prof. Qorro's profound impact on academia and public service. Notable attendees included: Ambassador Hon.Mwanaidi Maajar, Chairperson of the University Council, Prof. William Anangisye, Vice Chancellor of UDSM, Prof. Bernadeta Killian, Deputy Vice Chancellor – Planning, Finance, and Administration, Prof. Nelson Boniface, Deputy Vice Chancellor – Research, and Dr. Silkiluwasha Mpale, Principal of the College of Humanities.
Others included Prof. Rwekaza Mukandala, Former Vice Chancellor, Prof. Yunus Mgaya, Former Deputy Vice Chancellor – Administration, Prof. Florens Luoga, Former Deputy Vice Chancellor – Academic and Former Governor of the Bank of Tanzania, Prof. Issa Shivji, Renowned Scholar and Legal Expert, Prof. Penina Mlama, Cultural Advocate and Academic, Dr. Leonard Akwilapo, Former Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Prof. Idris Kikula, Former Vice Chancellor - UDOM, Ambassador Dr. Bashiru Ally (Member of Parliament), Prof. Marjorie Mbilinyi - Gender and Development Specialist, and Dr. Zilpah Saul Ombijah - Head of Department, Centre for Communication Studies.
Also present were Dr. Ayub Rioba, Director General, Tanzania Broadcasting Corporation, Prof. Peter Msofe - Director of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Mr. Walter Bgoya - Director, Mkuki na Nyota Publishers and Family Spokesperson, Dr. Nkundwe Moses Mwasaga, CEO, ICT Commission, and Hon. Mary Nagu former Member of Parliament and Minister.
Tributes to the Legend
Speakers at the ceremony highlighted Prof. Qorro's unwavering dedication to improving education through language policy reform. Her efforts to promote Kiswahili in education were seen as pivotal in making learning more accessible and effective for Tanzanian students.
Colleagues and former students recalled her as a mentor who inspired critical thinking and a deep appreciation for linguistic diversity. Her work with organizations like HakiElimu and contributions to the LOITASA (Language of Instruction in Tanzania and South Africa) project underscored her commitment to educational equity.
A Lasting Impact
Prof. Qorro's legacy will continue to influence language policy and education in Tanzania. Her scholarly works remain essential references for educators and policymakers alike. As the University of Dar es Salaam community mourns her passing, they also celebrate a life dedicated to the empowerment of learners through language.
She is survived by her family, colleagues, and countless students whose lives she touched. May her soul rest in eternal peace.