Government says Busuttil ‘sounding like a broken record’

Government says Opposition leader's 'rehashed' claims on the government's plans to lower educational standards have been repeatedly denied and explained

The government accused Opposition leader Simon Busuttil of “sounding like a broken record”, following this morning’s parliamentary debate on a legal notice that will lower the standards required for educational institutions to be recognized as universities.

“Busuttil has rehashed claims from long ago, which the Government has repeatedly denied and explained,” the government said in a statement. “The legal notice does nothing but strengthen the educational framework of the country and keeps research and relevant and adequate educational structures at the forefront of its priorities.

“Through changes introduced by the the National Commission for Further and Higher Education, the operational parameters for educational institutions have increased in quality through the improvements in the regulations introduced during 2014. NCFHE Chairman Martin Scicluna has already explained the changes introduced and the need to adapt to the new realities in the educational sector.

The way the Opposition has thrown mud at a highly-respected independent institution such as the NCFHE is a new low. The central regulatory function of NCFHE demands increased capacity building to fully address the legal remit assigned to it and to manage the due diligence processes.”

They reiterated Education Minister Evarist Bartolo’s instance that that nobody will be able to buy a university license and that all those who apply for one have to go through the rigorous parameters of the commission.

“Bartolo said that the new changes will bring the country at the forefront of the major changes happening abroad in higher education, whereby Malta has to compete for a part of the 4.5 million foreign student market,” the government said. “The Minister said that through specialized and technical universities, the country can attract a different and exciting new segment for the economy while providing valuable and innovative collaborations with local educational institutions and businesses.”