A Dundee student leader has warned of the need to stay alert for ”adverse” changes in higher education.
William Mohieddeen, president of Abertay University Students’ Association, said the campaign to prevent a merger between the city’s two universities demonstrates the ability of students and their supporters to be an effective force.
But in a message to the student body, thanking them for their efforts, he cautions that similar action could be needed in the future.
Mr Mohieddeen said: ”It is clear that the government are still intent on introducing changes to legislation, and we have to be sure that as a student community we are ready to react to anything adverse that affects our education in the new year.
”This campaign, however, has proven that Abertay students are ready to do just that, and we thank you and our supporters for it.”
Reflecting on the past few months, he noted that it had been September when the Scottish Funding Council told Abertay to suspend its search for a principal and enter merger talks with Dundee University.
”We engaged our anti-merger campaign, Hands Off Abertay, which gave three commitments to be met by the Scottish Government to protect access to higher education, protect the Abertay learning environment and protect Abertay students’ contribution to the city of Dundee.
”After the run of the course of the campaign, we have seen some massive achievements.
”The association successfully delivered a deputation to Dundee City Council, who passed a motion stating their support for Abertay and Dundee universities to remain independent.”
He said there was also backing from Dundee University Students’ Association, clarification from Education Secretary Michael Russell that merger was not the preferred option for Abertay and a joint statement from both universities, Dundee College and the SFC that all should pursue independent futures.