Makerere University to offer degree and certificate in the Chinese language

Makerere University

Makerere University has partnered with Xiangtan University in China to start the Confucius Institute, meant to offer degree and short certificate courses in the Chinese language and culture.

The degree course will cover all aspects of life, including the social, economic and political characteristics of the Chinese people.

The degree course is scheduled to start in the next academic year, according to Prof. Edward Kirumira, the principal of the college of humanities and social sciences.

"A memorandum of understanding has been signed between Makerere and Xiangtan," he said.

The course, Kirumira said, has been approved by the college's academic board and now awaits approval by the University Senate.

The programme, expected to admit about 30 to 40 students every academic year, will be open to undergraduate students and diploma holders.

It will also be open to mature entrants. The Confucius Institute will host other short certificate courses for diplomats and businesspeople interested in learning the Chinese language and culture, according to Kirumira.

The course's fees will be determined after its approval by the senate.

According Kirumira, the Chinese government will be sending two lecturers to Makerere University.

China is expected to provide technical support in form of lecturers in the initial years of the programme, as Makerere builds capacity to take over.

"Students who join the degree programme will be expected to study at Makerere for three years and later go to China to complete their studies," Kirumira explained.

Prof. Ddumba Ssentamu, the Makerere vice-chancellor, on Monday received an academic delegation from Xiangtan University, which discussed an agreement for the setting up of the institute.

The delegation included Prof. Luo Hean, the president of Xiangtan University and Prof. Li Jianbo, the deputy dean of the school of Chinese literature and journalism.

The case for China Boasting of the most spoken language, one of the fastest growing economies and the largest population in the world, China's influence in global affairs is growing day by day.

Coupled with China's growing military and political might, understanding China is a sure way of taping into the vast potential of the country, especially when it has become Africa's leading trading partner.

The Confucius Institute at Makerere is named after the renowned Chinese philosopher, Confucius.

The philosophy of Confucius emphasised personal and governmental morality, correctness of social relationships, justice and sincerity.