On Thursday 20 February 2025, the formally signed an agreement with the University of Malta for the transfer of land, previously owned by the Government, to the University.
The transfer of land on which the and the Gozo Campus are situated is a move that aims to strengthen the University’s operations and strategic vision in education and research while ensuring better use of public buildings.
This was jointly announced by the Minister for Lands and the Implementation of the Electoral Programme, Hon. Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi, and the Minister for Education, Sport, Youth, Research, and Innovation, Hon. Clifton Grima, during a signing ceremony.
Minister Zrinzo Azzopardi emphasised the importance of this historic initiative. “This agreement confirms the Government’s commitment to investing in properties for our country’s education. Through this transfer, the University of Malta will have more resources to continue improving its services at these two colleges for students and the academic community at large.”
Minister Grima also praised this step, stating, “We are investing in the education sector not only for the continuous improvement of circumstances for lecturers, educators, and students but also to ensure that such buildings are managed in the best way possible and reach their full potential for the benefit of the entire sector."
The Rector of the University of Malta, Prof. Alfred J. Vella, expressed his satisfaction with the agreement, highlighting that this transfer is crucial to the University’s mission, as it will facilitate administrative processes and improve services for students and academics. “Through this agreement, we are providing further stability to the University, allowing us to better plan for our future.”
This agreement follows other collaborative initiatives between the University of Malta and the Lands Authority, including an agreement signed last year for a study and analysis of court decisions concerning the same Authority.
The Ġ.F. Abela Junior College was established in 1995 as a post-secondary educational institution and has since served as an important stepping stone for thousands of students pursuing tertiary education. Over the years, the college has evolved into an integral part of the University of Malta, with the goal of further strengthening post-secondary education in Malta.
The University’s Gozo Campus also has a long history of educational service, dating back to the 1990s, when it was established to provide post-secondary learning opportunities for Gozitan students.
