Editorial

University Rector Juanito Camilleri, in his speech opening the academic year, spelled out his vision for an institution he rightly views as being at the very centre of Malta’s development. Prof. Camilleri is one of those figures who do not often make public pronouncements but when they do it warrants serious consideration.

On this occasion, he dwelt on the direction in which he would like to steer the University as a modern one: Built, in keeping with current international trends, not only on excellence of instruction and long-term institutional research but also on a third pillar he defined as “active participation towards the just and sustainable development of society and the global economy”.

He gave the big picture, in more senses than one. For Prof. Camilleri, the University looms large in society; it is what makes the Maltese what they are and what gives birth to that the island is still to become. Mere rhetoric? Not at all. If there is an intellectual and cultural well-spring that shapes Malta’s character and fosters its welfare, it is surely the University.

On the economic front, he spoke about producing the kind of students not only able to respond to society’s and industry’s present needs but also creative and innovative enough to help build industries “we have not yet even dreamt about”. And, through research programmes tailored to fit in with the country’s direction in terms of which sectors it chooses to develop, the University would make a crucial contribution to economic progress.

But the University’s role, as Prof. Camilleri sees it, does not end there. It must participate actively in the social and economic development of the community in the context of Malta’s place in the EU, the Mediterranean and the United Nations. It must be measured by its ability to help manage the country so Malta can remain sustainable and continue to contribute on an international level.

“An autonomous and sustainable University is the foundation of the country’s sovereignty and identity.” It is a noble calling indeed the rector hears for the growing institution he runs: to provide the country’s human and intellectual capital, to plant the seeds of tomorrow’s innovation and creativity and to provide expert advice to policy makers based on independent and reliable research.

Given the way he positions the University, his is a justified appeal that would seem to be aimed at the country’s present and future leaders: to view the University’s continued strengthening as indispensible to the country’s advancement. Not that the University has been neglected. The government has increased funding over the years and EU membership allows it to tap into vastly expanded student exchange and research opportunities.

But here comes the nub: “The mission of this University cannot be completely fulfilled if a method of sustainable funding is not found... the system of budgeting from one year to the next does not leave space for long-term planning...” the rector said, before going on to list the many requirements of a University with a modern vocation.

Therefore, his pointed call for “deep thought” to be given to this matter in the formulation of a national tertiary education strategy is to be given the weight it deserves. After all, it comes from a person of great standing, also intellectually, who clearly holds Malta’s well-being at heart, offers a clear vision of how to contribute to its success and is in a position to deliver it.