Charles Caruana Carabez, The Commissioner for Education, passed away on Wednesday night at the age of 73.

The Office of the Ombudsman made the announcement on Thursday.

Mr Caruana Carabez had been appointed to the role 1st September 2017.

"He dedicated his life to promoting education and ensuring high educational standards. During his short term in office as Commissioner for Education, he sought to advance good relations between the authorities and public educational institutions while defending the interest of aggrieved citizens seeking redress against maladministration. He did so with a strong sense of purpose tempered with equity and humanity," the office said.

Mr Caruana Carabez served as a teacher, lecturer and head of department at the Technical Institute, the Gian Frangisk Abela Upper Secondary, and Junior College.

He was a member of the Council of the University, and member of the boards of the Institute for Tourism Studies, the National Book Council and the National Commission for Further and Higher Education.

Mr Caruana Carabez was a frequent contributor of articles to the press and authored two books on English literature.

The Ombudsman, together with office staff, expressed their condolences.