Education Minister Evarist Bartolo said yesterday that the operators of the American University of Malta should first focus on building their reputation rather than developing a full-blown campus at Żonqor Point, Marsascala.
Speaking to State broadcaster PBS, Mr Bartolo said his advice, following reports that the AUM was struggling to recruit students, was to concentrate on building its reputation and utilise the current campus in Cospicua before proceeding with their plans for Żonqor.
“Were it for me to decide, though I can only give advice, the AUM should first make sure to utilise all their campus in Cospicua before moving on with their plans on Żonqor,” he said.
Mr Bartolo said building a reputation for a new university from scratch would take time and was no easy task.
His comments contrast sharply with the AUM’s plans and statements made by Prime Minster Joseph Muscat when announcing the project in 2015.
The AUM should first utilise all their campus in Cospicua
Dr Muscat had spoken of an investment “which will regenerate the south”, noting the AUM planned to host about 4,000 students in the first five years island. The Sadeen Group, a Jordanian construction group behind the new university, would invest about €120 million in the project, the Prime Minister had said.
The Sunday Times of Malta reported last week that the American University of Malta, which started its first academic year this September, was struggling and doubts were being raised on its long-term sustainability.
Despite plans to have at least 330 students in its first academic year, the newspaper reported that only 15 were attracted, almost all of whom having been granted scholarships by the Sadeen Group.
Some of the students have already abandoned their courses and several members of the staff, including lecturers, were fired without giving them any reason for their dismissal, The Sunday Times of Malta reported.
AUM sources said the project was mismanaged, there was no strategy and funds provided by the Jordanian investors were far from adequate. Work on the Cospicua site was also several months behind schedule, they added.
AUM provost, John Ryder, promised this newspaper last August he would give details on the number of students enrolled in the various courses soon after the start of the academic year.
However, no details have been made available yet.
Prof. Ryder was yesterday asked whether the American University of Malta would still continue with its plans to develop Żonqor despite the prevailing problems but no reply was forthcoming at the time of writing.
ivan.camilleri@timesofmalta.com