Frank Bezzina sworn in as University of Malta rector

Prof. Frank Bezzina was sworn in as the 82nd University of Malta rector on Tuesday, taking over from Prof. Alfred J. Vella, who ended a decade in office by urging his successor to complete the “unfinished symphonies” he leaves behind.

The ceremony, held at the University’s Jesuit Church in Valletta, marked the formal handover of the rector’s robes from Vella to Bezzina. It was attended by Prime Minister Robert Abela, President Myriam Spiteri Debono, Opposition Leader Alex Borg and other senior public officials.

Bezzina, who served as Acting President of Malta as well as the Pro-Rector for International Development and Quality Assurance over the past five years, began his inaugural address by thanking Vella.

Reflecting on the university’s wider mission, Bezzina said academics may work in different disciplines and use different methods, but ultimately share the same goal.

“Across disciplines, our work must be for the betterment of humanity and the advancement of an equitable society, whose hallmarks are integrity, care and kindness," he said.

“The academic work of our scholars and researchers expands the boundaries of human understanding.”

As rector, Bezzina pledged to support excellence, encourage collaboration across disciplines and foster an environment in which innovation and creativity could flourish.

He also paid tribute to the university’s administrative and technical staff, describing them as “the quiet force behind every teaching programme, project and achievement”. He said he would work to ensure their contribution was recognised and strengthened.

Addressing students, whom he called “both the heartbeat and the breath of our university”, Bezzina encouraged them to remain bold in their ambitions, fearless in their curiosity and steadfast in their integrity.

He said universities were operating in a period marked by rapid technological change, the rise of social media, geopolitical tensions, uncertainty over truth and misinformation, and growing environmental challenges.

“This might all appear daunting, but we can't view challenges as obstacles but rather opportunities,” Bezzina said, adding the university should not only respond to the needs of today but also anticipate those of tomorrow.

Ceremony in Valletta marks formal handover from Alfred Vella after 10 years at the helm Photo: Jonathan Borg

Tuesday’s ceremony began with the traditional academic procession from the Valletta Campus to the Jesuit Church, with lecturers and academics walking through the capital in colourful ceremonial robes despite the sweltering heat. 

While the ceremony marked the start of Bezzina’s tenure, it also served as a farewell to Vella, who used his address to reflect on the past decade and the projects completed during his time as rector.

In his speech, Vella said he did not need international rankings to tell him that “in 2026, the University of Malta is in the best place it has been in its multi-centenarian history.”

He highlighted what he described as the “physical mark” left on the university, including the Sustainable Living Complex, which should open this year, the Dental Teaching Clinic in Marsalforn and the Campus Hub.

Vella also pointed to improved international rankings, a rise in the number of international students, greater equity across the institution and the expansion of English language learning programmes as achievements of his tenure.

“We have managed to turn what was an admitting university into a recruiting university.”

But he said he was leaving behind several “unfinished symphonies”.

These include a sports and performing arts centre that did not secure funding, a dedicated building for the Faculty of Dental Surgery, reforms to the MATSEC system, the establishment of a Research Integrity Office, campus-to-community programmes, a 24/7 student space, an extension to the university library and the development of the construction site near the university’s old gate.

“These challenges will no doubt be addressed by my successor who has the skill, fortitude, and energy to bring them to fruition.”

Alfred Vella bows out of the role after 10 years at the helm Photo: Jonathan Borg

Vella ended with advice for his successor, warning that the role was a demanding one. To get through it “sanely”, he said, Bezzina would need “the proverbial wisdom of Solomon, the patience of Job and the thick hide of a rhinosaurus.”

Bezzina was the sole nominee for the post. Before becoming rector, he served as dean and deputy dean of the Faculty of Economics, Management and Accountancy, as well as head of the Department of Management.