The deans of all the faculties at the University of Malta have reached a consensus to back current pro-rector Alfred Vella to succeed Juanito Camilleri as the next rector, academics have confirmed.

During a meeting held recently, the deans agreed that Prof. Vella, a chemistry expert, would ensure continuity and consolidation by ensuring that various initiatives spearheaded by the outgoing rector would come to fruition.

Alfred VellaAlfred Vella

The question of who will be voted in as the new university rector has been the subject of debate for weeks. Associate professor Tanya Mifsud Bonnici, who is also the head of marketing at the Faculty of Economics, Management and Accountancy, is no longer among the three contenders for the race, sources have confirmed.

This means Prof. Vella has one main contender – Godfrey Baldacchino, professor of sociology and board chairman of the Centre for Labour Studies, which has published a number of notable studies over the years. Last month, Prof. Baldacchino was appointed Unesco co-chair in Island Studies and Sustainability.

Academics told the Times of Malta that, while there was no major objection to Prof. Baldacchino, who was “well respected”, the deans felt it would be safer to back Prof. Vella “as the person we know”.

The deans do not elect the new rector but their support carries significant weight. It is the council that elects the rector for a five-year term.

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