The independent lobby organisation, the Derry University Group, explains why the Northern Ireland Department for the Economy minister Conor Murphy will find it extremely difficult to increase student numbers in the North West and restore regional economic balance, if he signs off on the December 2024 Magee expansion plan in its current form. A series of recommendations and solutions is offered, including: the introduction of top-level independent oversight, directly accountable to the Irish and British governments; a new North-South body to assist Magee expansion and harmonise all-island education strategy; academic and operational autonomy for Magee; and a lowering/waiving of fees for Magee students until a minimum total of 10,000 full-time students can be sustained.