University rector insists on excellence and entrepreneurship

The rector of the University of Malta, Juanito Camilleri, has called on academics and students to face the challenges ahead, warning that the university must work hard to survive and be of service to society.

Addressing students at the start of the new academic year, Prof. Camilleri, who succeeds Roger Ellul Micallef as rector, spoke of a "new chapter" in his life and that of the university, expressing his belief that "a university experience ought to be driven by the persistent pursuit for excellence".

"It would be a great mistake to think that the university has some natural right to be around for the next 40 years simply because it has a legacy of 400 years," he said.

The rector, who chose the theme Fostering Excellence And Entrepreneurship for this academic year, said the time has come for the institution to ask itself about its relevance to society in the next 50 years. The university also had to ask whether the learning and research programmes are addressing Malta's present and future needs.

"Are our programmes of the best quality? Are we using our resources well? Where this is not the case, how can we work better?"

Prof. Camilleri said the university today needs a lot of investment spread on a number of years. "It is understandable that the country has many priorities besides the university; it needs to invest in the environment, roads, health, industry and other educational sectors. Yet, if we want to keep up the good reputation of this institution we should agree on a way ahead and finance it."

It was crucial that the university built new resources for research programmes in medicine, science and technology and other areas where Malta could establish an international reputation.

Prof. Camilleri said the University of Malta, which now has close to 10,000 students following courses at different levels, should prepare to take up more students, particularly people already in employment who choose to follow postgraduate studies. He also stressed the importance of attracting more international students.

More than 2,000 new students are starting a course at the University of Malta this year. The Admissions Office, however, is still processing 1,112 applications from those who re-sat examinations in summer.

This year, 370 overseas applicants from 80 different countries have enrolled in full-time courses. Another 265 applicants have been accepted as exchange students.