On 8 September, the Employment and Learning Minister, Dr Stephen Farry, confirmed that the remaining £40 million funding gap for higher education will be met by the Northern Ireland Executive. (DEL's press release)
This is good news for our students, for our staff and for Northern Ireland as a whole. It recognises the pivotal role of higher education as an economic driver, and the need for Northern Ireland to retain a sustainable, competitive and high quality sector which attracts the brightest and best of our young people from all backgrounds.
The University is already in the process of implementing the £28 million efficiency savings previously imposed, but I am pleased that the Executive has agreed there will be no additional cuts to the higher education budget.
I will keep you informed of future developments.
Professor Sir Peter Gregson
President and Vice-Chancellor