In a statement at the Senedd this afternoon Education Minister Leighton Andrews announced his intentions for a three way merger between Newport, Glamorgan and Cardiff Metropolitan, and if necessary via the dissolution of Cardiff Metropolitan University.

This bold move, resisted by the senior leadership of Cardiff Metropolitan but supported by Newport and Glamorgan. 

Commenting on this, Stephanie Lloyd, NUS Wales President, said:
                      
" Today’s announcement by the Minister is an opportunity to blaze a trail towards a bold, new education system - but only if those in charge of each of the institutions make the most of this opportunity. All of the talk of mergers in recent months threatens to obscure the real issues for students- access to education, jobs and the student experience. “

“The students I talk to are worried less about institutions and titles, and more about where their course will be, what facilities are on offer and what the job prospects will be like afterwards. This should be everyone’s focus from here on in.”

“Now that the Government has made its view clear, NUS Wales is committed to working with each of the students’ unions, universities and the Government to take what’s great about these three universities and build them into a new and better institution.”