Education Minister Justyne Caruana has said that discussions are on-going to ensure that all University of Malta students can physically return to lectures on campus.
Caruana was asked by The Malta Independent on controversy surrounding the return of students to the University of Malta, after it emerged that certain courses may have to continue their teaching online.
“All educational institutions in Malta are open for students to physically receive their education within the institution itself. However, since the University is one which operates independently and autonomously, it is taking care of the structure itself,” she said.
“Nonetheless, the University still needs to abide by protocols and directives issued by the health authorities,” Caruana said.
The Malta Independent on Wednesday asked Education Minister whether the government can guarantee the physical return to lecture rooms for all students, including those who form part of courses with a large number of students.
In reply, Minister Caruana said that “there seem to have been no difficulties, apart from the Faculty of Law, due to the large number of attending students.
The University of Malta Rector (Alfred J. Vella) is onboard, and discussions are ongoing to resolve the matter.”
Since the educational institution works independently, Caruana noted that this matter should be discussed with the university.
Students paying for government’s incompetence - PN
In a statement, the PN said that Caruana’s comments today show that “the left hand does not know what the right hand is doing.”
Caruana blamed Chris Fearne for using university halls as makeshift wards, which may have been required, but it is unacceptable that the government realises that it has a problem at university just days before the academic year is due to start, it said.
The government only realised there was a problem after the issue was brought to its attention by the Opposition, it said.
If the government is losing its enthusiasm to lead, and will continue waiting on direction from the Opposition, just as it is doing on Gozo, health and the economy, then the time has come for Labour to step aside and make space for those who have the energy to lead the country, it said.
The PN said the government is denying students their university experience, not as a result of the pandemic but because of incompetence and a lack of coordination between ministries. Students are paying for the government’s incompetence, the PN said.