Student Leader Says Cuts At Ulster University Are Extremely Worrying

Following news that Ulster University plans to cut staff numbers and lose a number of significant courses, NUS-USI President Fergal McFerran has said that this move could have a devastating impact on students and on education opportunities for people here in Northern Ireland. NUS-USI President Fergal McFerran, said: “This is an extremely worrying announcement. It could have a very negative impact on the level of educational opportunities open to people here. It could also have significant negative ramifications for students at the institution. NUS-USI is in regular contact with Ulster University Students’ Union and will be on hand to provide direct support as required. “As the latest crisis at Stormont unfolds we see first hand the very real impact of dysfunctional government. This development at Ulster University is a direct result of budget cuts that were handed to the Department for Employment and Learning earlier this year. “I believe our higher and further education sectors have been disproportionately punished in the last Executive budget and I think it’s indicative of the failure of government here to prioritise investing in education and students. “By consistently failing to properly resource our education system in Northern Ireland, the Executive is indirectly perpetuating inequality within society. Investment is also essential to help meet the skill needs of companies that may consider creating jobs here and to help students reach their potential. These devastating cuts could lead to government creating a lost generation of people left with no hope, no education opportunities and no career prospects. That would be totally unacceptable – the Executive must get its priorities right and invest in students, universities and colleges.”