The Government is struggling to finance the country's education system and continues to cut back on students by reducing funding to Malta's leading educational institutions, including the University of Malta, the Nationalist Party said in a statement Monday. This lack of serious investment by the Government in the University further confirms that Robert Abela's administration finds money for many things - but not for the education of our children. So much so, that due to financial difficulties, the University of Malta will be forced to discontinue a number of Study Units.

While the PN said it understands that this measure aims to regulate faculty expenditure - a sensible approach - no decision or measure should limit the choices available to university students. Yet, this is exactly what Robert Abela's Government is doing. Instead of ensuring that this educational institution is provided with the best possible resources to fulfil its role, the Government is depriving students of a broader choice of Study Units.

The PN reiterated its full commitment to the University of Malta, stressing that such decisions must be driven by an academic vision rather than a lack of government funding.

The Minister of Finance must prioritise significantly greater investment in these institutions, the PN said. These are the very institutions that produce a thinking society, intelligent youth, and trained workers. Their purpose is not to generate profits, as was requested of them a few months ago. These are the institutions that shape the future of our country.

Instead of addressing the real issues at the University - namely the misuse of resources and the need for better management of allocated funds, alongside ensuring a long-term financial strategy - the Government has decided to limit students' opportunities and choices simply because it is unwilling to invest adequately.

Through this decision, whereby certain Study Units taught by part-time lecturers will be completely discontinued, faculties that have long relied on the professionalism and integrity of casual lecturers employed on a part-time basis will also be impacted. Moreover, faculties already suffering from a shortage of academic staff will be further deprived. This move will also prevent faculties from offering Units led by experts in delicate and specialised fields - individuals who have much to contribute to the University and its students.

The government continues to demonstrate that education is not a priority for it. Today, students are paying the price for this short-sighted policy. Tomorrow, the entire nation will.

In contrast to Abela's Government, the PN said it believes that education is not an expense but an investment in the future of our country. Therefore, the PN condemns any decision that undermines the full development of individuals through education.