When I read your editorial University students’ complaints (TMID, 25 October), I expected a flurry of replies from students to rebut the comments you made about their lack of interest in national matters, something with which I agree.

But, since then, there has been no such letters, not even one.

And this proves your point. University students either did not read your editorial, which I think was the case, or else, if they did read it, they are simply not bothered by what you wrote. Which does prove what you said that they are not at all interested in what goes on in the country.

Except, that is, to complain about lack of parking spaces and the stipends, if these are to be touched.

We need University students who take more active participation in what goes on around them. We need students who come up with fresh ideas as, after all, they are the ones who will be leading the country in the future.

But, as you said, they are a pampered lot. They do not have to work to pay for their tuition. Instead, they get paid for attending lectures.

They do not have to leave their families, but almost all have a car with which they can drive the few kilometres that separates their home from campus.

The stipends system has enabled everyone to pursue tertiary education, but it is leading to a situation where students find everything ready for them. Should this system continue?

Simon Micallef

Mosta