Imran Khan, former Prime Minister of Pakistan, has announced his candidacy for the position of Chancellor at Oxford University, despite being currently incarcerated. The 71-year-old politician and former cricket star expressed his desire to contribute to the institution that played a significant role in his formative years.
Khan, who studied Philosophy, Politics, and Economics at Keble College from 1972 to 1975, stated his intention to be a passionate advocate for the university. He emphasized his commitment to championing Oxford's values of diversity, equality, and inclusion, both within the United Kingdom and internationally.
"Oxford University helped me a lot in my formative years. As chancellor, I would passionately advocate for Oxford, championing its values of diversity, equality and inclusion, both in the UK and abroad. I am committed to giving back to the world the resilience, determination and integrity that life has taught me, even when the odds are stacked against me."
The former Pakistani leader's bid for the chancellorship comes at a time when he has been imprisoned for over a year on charges he claims are politically motivated. His candidacy may serve to raise awareness about his current situation and potentially put pressure on the Pakistani government and military leadership.
Khan's application has garnered support from notable figures, including Lord Hannan, a Conservative peer and former MEP, who described him as a "towering figure in the worlds of philanthropy, sport and politics."
The race for Oxford's chancellorship is highly competitive, with other prominent candidates including Lord Hague, former Foreign Secretary, Lord Mandelson, Labour Party grandee, and Lady Angiolini, a distinguished lawyer who led the inquiry into the Sarah Everard case.
Oxford University, founded in 1096, is the oldest university in the English-speaking world and has a rich history of producing world leaders and Nobel laureates. The institution has educated 28 British Prime Ministers and boasts over 24,000 students from more than 150 countries.
The election process for the new chancellor involves an online ballot with more than 250,000 Oxford alumni eligible to vote. The successful candidate will serve a 10-year term, working alongside the current Vice-Chancellor, Prof Irene Tracey.
As Oxford University continues to maintain its position as one of the world's leading educational institutions, with an endowment valued at £6.1 billion as of 2020, the role of chancellor remains a prestigious and influential position. The university's commitment to academic excellence is reflected in its extensive library system, which houses over 13 million printed items, and its numerous research facilities.
While Khan's candidacy may be considered unconventional, it highlights the global reach and impact of Oxford University, which has more than 350,000 alumni worldwide. The outcome of this election will undoubtedly be closely watched by the international community, given the unique circumstances surrounding Khan's bid and the university's standing in the world of higher education.