The University of Malta Academic Staff Association said today it had strong reservations regarding the introduction of a ‘national interest’ proviso in the legal notice on higher education.
It called for the removal of an article which that an accredited higher educational institute shall be eligible to apply for university status if this was considered in the national to be removed.
“One of the main concerns of Umasa, as a professional association of academics, is that research time at the University of Malta be fully safeguarded in the development of detailed rules that govern higher education in Malta.
“The University of Malta has a national obligation to continue to offer programmes of study and areas of research that are not necessarily commercially attractive but nonetheless must continue to form part of the its extensive portfolio, proud heritage and international reputation.
“Any evolving policy on pluralism in education must respect the special brief of the University of Malta towards local communities and local community service,” it said.