A memorandum of understanding for the transfer was signed on Thursday 23 May by Lands Authority CEO, James Piscopo and UM Rector, Alfred J. Vella.
The University of Malta now owns the Valletta and Gozo university campuses, the Junior College campus, and the land hosting the Institute for Sustainable Energy in Marsaxlokk.
This land, transferred by the government worth millions, will see the increase of the University’s capital assets.
University of Malta Rector, Alfred Vella, said that it feels like a dream, also referring to this transfer as a "historic" decision. He highlighted that this year marks the 250th year since the founding of the University of Malta and that this transfer would strengthen the university’s financial base.
During his speech, Prime Minister Joseph Muscat stressed that the transfer of lands was not only a symbolic one, but one which strengthens the University's "stand alone capability", which will, in turn, help it continue to be the main tertiary education institution in Malta, including applying for funds which it was unable to do up until now.
During his speech, Prime Minister Joseph Muscat stressed that the transfer of lands was not only a symbolic one, but one which strengthens the University's "stand alone capability", which will, in turn, help it continue to be the main tertiary education institution in Malta, including applying for funds which it was unable to do up until now.
Also present during the signing were Minister for Education and Employment Evarist Bartolo, Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Capital Projects, Ian Borg, Parliamentary Secretary for Planning and the Property Market, Mr Chris Agius, the Chairman of the Land Authority Lino Farrugia Sacco and the Permanent Secretary for Education and Employment Francis Fabri.