Ex-Pakistan PM Imran Khan plans to run for Oxford University Chancellor: What is the post?

Who is the Chancellor of Oxford University?

It is believed that some form of teaching has existed at Oxford, UK, since the year 1096. It grew to become one of the most prestigious universities in the world. The post of Chancellor was established around 100 years later. “By 1201 the University was headed by a ‘magister scholarum (head of an ecclesiastical school) Oxonie’, on whom the title of Chancellor was later conferred in 1214,” according to its website.

Essentially, the Chancellor acts as a ceremonial head with no executive responsibilities. However, the role involves providing “supportive and useful advice and guidance to the University”, presiding over certain official events and helping resolve disputes among the governing body.

The Chancellor must be readily accessible and available throughout the year, even though he does not need to reside in Oxford. It is a non-paying position, but all role-related travel and expenses will be covered, its website says.

Why are elections being held for the Oxford University Chancellor post?

Previous Chancellor Christopher Patten, 80, recently stepped down from the post. He served as the Chancellor for around 20 years and was earlier a Member of Parliament from the Conservative Party. In 1992, he was appointed Governor of Hong Kong, a position he held until 1997, overseeing the return of Hong Kong to China after it ceased to be under British control. In 2006, he was appointed Co-Chair of the UK-India Round Table, established to forge closer ties.

Previous notable Chancellors include the former British Prime Minister Harold Macmillan and George Nathaniel Curzon or Lord Curzon, who oversaw the Partition of Bengal.

The incoming Chancellor will have a term of 10 years.

How will the new Oxford University Chancellor be elected?

For the first time, online elections are being held. Candidates must fulfil the following criteria:

1. Outstanding achievements in their field and the ability to command respect beyond it;

2. A deep appreciation for the University’s research and academic mission, its global community, and its ambition to remain a world class research and teaching university;

3. The ability and willingness to enhance the reputation of the University locally, nationally and abroad.

The Chancellor is elected by Convocation, a body made up of all former students of the University who have been admitted to a degree (other than an honorary degree).

Another body which votes in the election is called the Congregation. This is the sovereign body of the University that acts as its ‘parliament’ and has over 5,000 members, including academic staff; heads and other members of governing bodies of colleges; and senior research, computing, library and administrative staff.

The Alternative Vote system will be used, where voters can rank the candidates in order of preference.

And what is Imran Khan’s link to Oxford University?

Khan went to the UK from Pakistan for higher education. He studied Philosophy, Politics and Economics at Keble College in Oxford University between 1972 and 1975 and also captained its Blues Cricket team.

“I think it was the best experience that I could have had. I was playing cricket at the time and already a test player. And yet at the same time it was important to get educated. So Oxford provided the perfect balance for me – to play top class cricket as well as get a top class education. In fact the experience at Oxford has really helped me later in life,” he told the student newspaper The Oxford Student in 2007.

Khan’s adviser on international media, Syed Zulfi Bukhari, told The Telegraph, “Imran Khan will contest for the chancellor of Oxford University as there is a public demand that he should contest.”