AUM Żonqor project should not go ahead before Cospicua campus is full - Bartolo

Education Minister Evarist Bartolo believes that the planned American University of Malta campus at Żonqor Point should only start when AUM’s Cospicua campus reaches full capacity.

Earlier this week it emerged that only 15 students had enrolled for courses in AUM’s first year of operation.

AUM originally planned to build a 90,000-square-metre campus on ODZ land in Marsascala but, following public outcry and several protests, the government announced that the project would be split in two. AUM would operate from Cospicua’s Dock 1 and from a scaled-down campus at Żonqor Point.

Works at the Cospicua site are behind schedule, while no work has been carried out in Marsascala so far.

Speaking to TVM, Bartolo admitted that the number of students enrolled with AUM was below expectations, but said he was confident that the numbers would increase.

The minister again argued that the university needs time to build a good reputation. “To build a good reputation, it takes years. This is not like putting a teaspoon of coffee into a mug, adding some hot water, and then drinking it – it takes time. Once this reputation is earned, development can continue” he said.

“My advice would be to strengthen the reputation of the university and the Cottonera campus and, on that basis, develop the other campus if it is needed. I am sure that the reputation and the attraction of this institution will depend on the first few years of those who go through the experience of attending this university.”