Busuttil insists University needs constant investment

Simon Busutill insisted that the University of Malta is and has been a great investment for Malta, but that such investment needs to be an on-going one.

The leader of the Opposition was speaking at the University campus where he was visiting various student organisation stalls set up for Freshers' week, along with MPs Joe Cassar and Robert Cutajar and MEP candidates David Casa and Roberta Metsola.

Amidst a vibrant campus atmosphere, Busutill explained how he felt "at home" at University, whilst wishing all students the best of luck for the upcoming scholastic year.

"The University is constantly growing with over 11,000 students - 3,400 of which starting this year - currently reading for courses here," he said.

"Results over the years have justified the fact that the University has been a great investment and we can only hope that the current government keeps on investing in this great institution," he said.

Busutill added that it was for this reason that it was very disappointing to see reports emanating this week which stated that stipends were to be rescinded for post-secondary students reading for an Ordinary level subject.

The reports that emerged on Wednesday were immediately denied by government officials, and it was revealed that such a strategy had not been given political approval.  On the contrary, the government insisted, stipends will not be removed.

Busutill, however, believed that further explanation was needed.

"It is disappointing to read such reports as it completely goes against the government's electoral promise.  In fact, it is the second time that Evarist Bartolo has found himself in such a situation.  We expect an explanation on the matter."

"The removal of stipends is something that is unacceptable for the Nationalist Party," he added.