Minister for Gozo, Giovanna Debono, accompanied Professor Juanito Camilleri, Rector of the University of Malta, during a visit he made in Gozo. The aim of this visit was that of strengthening the services offered by the University Gozo Centre which was set up in Gozo in 1992, as well as that of exploring the possibilities of further collaboration between the Ministry for Gozo and the University of Malta, especially in connection with projects related to the eco-Gozo concept.

The meeting held at the Ministry for Gozo was attended by other officials from the Ministry as well as from the University of Malta.

The Minister for Gozo joined the Rector of the University of Malta for a visit to the University Gozo Centre, where they met Professor Lino Briguglio, who has been Director of the University Gozo Centre since its inception. Professor Briguglio explained the importance of the presence of this Centre in Gozo and how this had a positive effect on the number of graduates.

Presently there are 168 participants for the various courses organised by the UGC while since 1993, there were 339 students who graduated through this Centre. In all probability most of these graduates would not have been in a position to follow courses at the University of Malta. The video-conferencing services at this Centre have also enhanced and facilitated the manner of the co-ordination of certain lectures and seminars.

Minister Debono stressed the importance of maintaining and increasing the services offered by the University in Gozo, which results in the strengthening of human resources through lifelong learning in Gozo. She remarked that the Ministry for Gozo will continue to be supportive of the University Gozo Centre as it has been during the past fifteen years.

Professor Juanito Camilleri, Rector of the University of Malta acknowledged the fact that Gozo will need more trained people in order to help it achieve the eco-island status. Moreover one has to aim to make the island of Gozo a centre of excellence in this regard.