The University of Malta welcomed the Prime Minister, the Minister for Education, Sport, Youth, Research and Innovation, the Minister for Public Works and Planning and the Leader of the Opposition to its campus on Tuesday 3 October, the second day of Freshers’ Week 2023.
Prime Minister Dr Robert Abela kicked off the slew of visits as he was greeted by Rector, Prof. Alfred J. Vella, Pro-Rector for International Development & Quality Assurance, Prof. Frank Bezzina and KSU President Mr Jeremy Mifsud Bonnici, among others.
He went on air at the Campus 103.7 stand, where he lauded the sense of comradery between students and mentioned the plentiful opportunities available to them in this day and age.
He also took the time to augur listeners and passers-by well for the academic year and encouraged them to simply enjoy this pivotal time in their lives, before proceeding to visit the UM stand and the KSU stand.
The Prime Minister was accompanied by Minister for Education, Sport, Youth, Research and Innovation, Hon. Clifton Grima, whose Ministry that new students reading a course in social work, Earth Systems and Artificial Intelligence, STEM, and Primary Education among others, will receive a higher stipend starting this scholastic year. This move is said to reflect the current and future needs of Malta’s workforce as well as its social needs.
Upon his arrival, Dr Grech, who was accompanied by the Rector, the Shadow Minister for Education, Hon. Justin Schembri, Prof. Frank Bezzina, and the KSU President, met with UM staff members and congratulated them on organising such a vibrant event for new and returning students. He was then briefly interviewed by Campus 103.7, where he told presenter Sonia Young that students should not be afraid to ask for help if they feel like they encounter any challenges throughout their educational journey.
Minister for Public Works and Planning, Hon. Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi, also paid a visit on the same day to numerous stands, including those of the UM and Campus 103.7, during which he vouched to keep offering his support for more research and innovation being undertaken at the Institution. He proceeded to tour the Faculty for the Built Environment.
Reflecting on the dignitaries’ visits to the University, Rector Prof. Alfred J. Vella said the University is supportive of a student-centric dynamic between its current population and the rest of society, and that communication between the two is needed to take everyone further than their own expectations.
