Oxford calling? Imran’s chancellor odds look slim

ISLAMABAD: Given his record and the intent of Oxford University to bar politicians from becoming chancellor, Imran Khan has little chance of qualifying for the election of the titular head of one of the world’s most prestigious universities, which also happens to be his alma mater.

Just to refresh public memory, Imran has earlier served as the chancellor of Bradford University, but was forced to step down before he could complete his term. This decision was made under pressure when students protested his continued absence from graduation ceremonies.

Imran had assumed the Bradford position in 2005 but from 2010 onwards he didn’t show up for university events. In addition to promoting the university internationally, his formal duties included conferring students with their degrees at two annual congregations over five days. In February 2014, a no-confidence motion calling for Imran to step down was tabled for Bradford University students to vote on. The voting was to be a month later. However, before it could take place, Imran decided to step down, citing “increasing political commitments” and fundraising for his charity organizations as the major reasons behind his inability to “give the kind of time commitments required as chancellor of the University of Bradford”.

Going by that measure, now in 2024 he is even busier than he was back then. In addition, his being in jail would make him quite a misfit for the role the chancellor at Oxford University is expected to perform. For example, the role description by Oxford University says the aspirants of the chancellor’s office are expected “to be readily accessible and available throughout the year”. In Imran’s case, nobody can predict when he will be out of jail, let alone ensure his availability out of his busy schedule.

The chancellor is the titular head of Oxford University and presides over several key ceremonies. According to the university’s website, in addition to these formal duties, the chancellor undertakes advocacy, advisory and fundraising work, acting as an ambassador for the university at a range of local, national and international events. Even if Imran were to be freed, he wouldn’t be able to do the needful. Instead, his work as a chancellor and as a political leader as well as a philanthropist will conflict with each other.

An important shift in the University of Oxford’s policy this time has also left people guessing as to who will eventually qualify for the election. Earlier, an alumnus could become a candidate by securing the nomination from 50 members of the electorate (graduates of the university as well as serving and retired members of the staff). From this year on, a candidate can apply and his/her qualification to contest will be determined by a committee called the Chancellor’s Election Committee which will judge the candidate in line with the regulations and the exclusion criteria.

The exclusion criteria will, among other things, bar an applicant who is either a serving member of, or a declared candidate for election to, an elected legislature. This is the only clause that can potentially hit Imran -- though at the moment he is neither a serving nor a declared candidate for a legislature. Regardless of Imran’s fate in this election, Oxford University intends to bar politicians from joining the race.

In April this year, an email (leaked to The Telegraph) sent to Oxford academics by the university’s registrar stated that “members of legislatures or those active in politics” would be blocked from becoming the next chancellor. The university came under criticism for the new rules aimed at politicians because the position has consistently been held by people of political backgrounds since the 15th century. Responding to the criticism, the university said the new rules are intended to apply to individuals who “are expected or aiming to be an elected member of a legislature during their term as our next chancellor”.

By then, three former prime ministers of Britain – Tony Blair, Boris Johnson and Theresa May – had expressed the intention to contest. It is as yet unclear whether any of them have applied or not. Those who confirmed having applied include William Hague, a former Conservative leader, Imran Khan, and Lady Elish Angiolini, the current head of St Hugh’s College of Oxford University. People in academia see her chances at making it more than any other candidate, keeping in view the university’s priorities. If elected chancellor, Lady Elish will be the first woman chancellor of the university.