The expansion of Magee University in Derry could meet the rise in demand expected for places over the next few years, Foyle MP Colum Eastwood has said.
A forecast from the University and Colleges Admission Service (UCAS), published on Monday, shows that the number of school leavers from Northern Ireland seeking a university place is to rise by 20% by the end of the decade.
Meanwhile, the expansion of Magee has been a demand from campaigners in Derry for decades, with calls for student numbers to rise to a minimum of 10,000 dating back to the 1960s.
Read more: Nearly 1,000 healthcare students make the switch to Magee campus in Derry
And that target was included in the New Decade, New Approach agreement struck in January 2020 to restore the Northern Ireland Executive following the three-year break in devolved government.
Some progress has been made in that direction in recent years, with the opening of a Medical School in 2021 providing a small boost to student numbers and a 'centre of healthcare excellence' attracting over 900 students in recent months.
But total student numbers remain far short of the 10,000 targets written into the New Decade, New Approach agreement and Mr Eastwood believes the latest projections from UCAS show the "obvious" need to expand Magee to meet demand.
In a statement, Mr Eastwood said: “The first responsibility of any government is to provide hope and opportunity to a new generation. It’s the first hurdle and Northern Ireland is still falling at it."
He continued: “The UCAS projection demonstrates the clear need to increase higher education places or risk exporting hundreds of young people abroad to find a better life for themselves. And we know from experience that when they leave, they’re unlikely to ever come back.
"The answer is obvious. We need sustained priority investment in skills and education - including at Magee where we have secured a commitment to at least 10,000 places. It’s time to live up to those promises. We have been fighting for an expanded university in Derry for over 50 years, at New Decade, New Approach I insisted that our city must get these university places and it’s long past time that this was delivered."
The SDLP leader added: "The long-awaited expansion of Magee has the potential to create a major university that serves the entire North West of the island and we will keep making that case until its delivered."
READ NEXT:
- Families bereaved by drink-driving slam UUP decision to select triple-convicted councillor for election
- BBC urged to 'meet halfway' over Radio Foyle cuts as 'appetite for strike' grows
- Children at Derry school forced to cross 'dangerous' road amid lollipop staff recruitment freeze
- Allianz League final fixture details confirmed by GAA with Mayo request rejected
To get the latest breaking news from Co Derry straight to your inbox, sign up to our free newsletter.
