In an earlier interview with Political Thinking, Mr Ahmed said the assassination of American conservative activist Charlie Kirk was “an appalling tragedy” and warned democracy would not survive if differences could not be settled through speech.
“You must allow people to express their views on really controversial topics, because alternatively, there will be no alternative to violence,” Mr Ahmed said.
“And that will be the abyss that we end up falling into.”
Mr Ahmed also said the OfS was “ready to act” to punish universities for not protecting academics and students from harassment and intimidation from foreign dictatorships.
Mr Ahmed said he had seen evidence of visiting foreign scholars threatening academics in the UK, whispering in their ears “we’re following you, we’re watching you”.
He said: “If your business model involves breaking the law, if your business model involves unlawfully suppressing academic freedom and freedom of speech at the behest of a foreign dictatorship, then you need another business model.”
Mr Ahmed said the OfS had powers to force universities to take action.
“We can remove their titles to universities. We can fine them. We can ultimately cut off their access to public funding.”