The scandal-hit institution also announced today that when it merges with Trinity Saint David and Swansea Metropolitan University, it will come together under the former¡¯s charter, not that of the University of Wales.

There have been calls from Welsh vice-chancellors for the institution to be wound up after a BBC investigation uncovered a visa scam at a linked college.

The Quality Assurance Agency has also found failings in the university¡¯s scrutiny of international partners.

However, D. Hugh Thomas, chair of the university¡¯s council, said that he had stepped down as a result of the decision over the charter, and not because of a call by Leighton Andrews, the Welsh education secretary, for him to consider his position.

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¡°The historic decision taken by the governing body ¨C during my chairmanship ¨C has caused me to assess what in leadership terms is in the best interests of the transformed university,¡± he said.

The decision over the charter was made in the ¡°context of the objectives set by the Welsh government¡±, a statement from the university says.

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Medwin Hughes, the University of Wales' vice-chancellor, said: ¡°I warmly welcome the historic decision taken today by the University of Wales council. The transformed university will serve and deliver for Wales.

¡°Our country will have several universities which can all be regarded as national institutions, each one delivering to their core strengths and specific mission.

¡°After a decade of leading academic institutions, I look forward to working with the government and other institutions in Wales to establish a strong higher education sector.¡±

He added: ¡°Wales needs strong brands, and the University of Wales has committed itself to an irreversible change which will deliver for our nation; it signifies a sense of history but also a commitment to a new beginning."

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david.matthews@tsleducation.com