Minister's speech - Ulster University Graduation Dinner - 27 June 2025

Note: this publication may not reflect verbatim delivery by Minister Archibald

Good evening, everyone.

I’m really delighted to be here alongside Minister Lawless, to congratulate the first graduates of Ulster University’s new medical school.

Your graduation is a great personal achievement, a testament to your hard work and your talent.

As the first cohort to graduate from the Medical School, this is also a significant milestone for the University, and for the city of Derry.

Many people have helped to make the graduate-entry medical school a reality, and today is also a celebration for them, many of whom are here tonight.

A special word of thanks to Professor Louise Dubras and Professor Carol Curran on your upcoming retirement.

Louise and Carol have been instrumental in establishing the medical school and guiding this first cohort of doctors into their chosen careers, so you leave a legacy to be proud of.

The School of Medicine is of course a key part of our broader expansion of Magee, the major catalyst for realising the economic potential of the North West.

Total enrolments at the campus have increased by 44% since 2021, and the Magee Taskforce has put in place a plan to reach 10,000 students by 2032.

Critical to this progress has been the drive and the commitment of Professor Paul Bartholomew so I want to acknowledge Paul’s leadership on this project and that of his team.

It is great to see the quality of that leadership being recognised with Ulster University named University of the Year, so once again congratulations on that well deserved award.

Recently we have working hard to secure the land needed to accommodate 10,000-students.

The upcoming refurbishment of Timberquay will mean that the campus can welcome 375 additional students this September, taking enrolments to just over 6,300.

So we are making good progress and that will continue in the years to come.

In closing I want to congratulate the graduates for your hard work and for what you have achieved.

We wish you well in your career within the health service, serving the community.

This is also a proud day for the City, so I hope you take a lot of pride in what you have achieved, but also in what you have given this City.

Enjoy your night.

Thank you, and congratulations.