In a statement issued yesterday, Mr Abela commended Education Minister Louis Galea for withdrawing the Lm10 graduation fee, but lamented the fact that the fee upon application to the

university has not been

withdrawn.

The government approved the entry fee through its representatives on the University Students’ Council, said Mr Abela.

The university should find ways, even in the short term, to deal with its poor financial situation.

If these methods are found, the students and their families will not be forced to make good for the lack of finances at the university, said Mr Abela.

The opposition claimed the university should carry out a value-for-money exercise and make better use of the money it is allocated in the budget by the government.

Education is the key to Malta’s competitiveness. It must be considered an investment towards the future and therefore everyone must shoulder their responsibility for its success.