The University of Oxford today announced the final candidates for its Chancellor’s election. The 38 finalists include three Indian-origin individuals, but did not include former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan.
Diverse Fields of Contenders
The finalists come from diverse backgrounds including academics, politicians and business leaders. Ankur Shiv Bhandari (the first Indian-origin mayor of Bracknell Forest), Nirpal Singh Paul Bhangal (professor of international entrepreneurship), and Pratik Tarwadi (medical professional) will compete for the post.
Former Conservative Party leader Lord William Hague and former Labor politician Lord Peter Mandelson are among the senior politicians selected, however, Khan has been deemed ineligible following the selection process.
38 candidates meet tough criteria
“Applications were considered by the Chancellor’s Selection Committee only on the four exclusion criteria set out in the University’s rules. All applicants have been informed whether their submissions have been successful,” a statement from the university said.
To qualify for the unpaid position, candidates were required to meet stringent criteria. They had to demonstrate extraordinary achievements in their field, as well as the ability to command respect among a wide audience.
Additionally, candidates were expected to have a thorough understanding of the University’s research and academic goals, its diverse global community, and its aspiration to maintain its position as a world-class institution. Furthermore, they must have the ability and desire to enhance the reputation of the university domestically and internationally.
Although the university did not give specific reasons for the individual rejections, some experts suggested that due to Khan’s criminal convictions in his home country – Pakistan, the former Oxford graduate may have been ineligible.
The university’s convocation, comprising faculty and alumni, will now hold an online election to choose Lord Patten’s successor. Lord Patten, former Governor of Hong Kong, will step down from his 21-year tenure as Chancellor at the end of Trinity Term in 2024.
In the first round of voting starting October 28, voters can rank as many candidates as they want. The top five candidates to be announced on November 4 will advance to the second round of voting on November 18. The new Chancellor of Oxford University will be revealed on 25 November.
In his ‘Statement of Interest’, Mr Bhandari expressed his desire to become Chancellor of the University of Oxford. He described the university as ‘a temple of learning, research and an icon of history’ and said serving as Chancellor would be ‘the honor of my lifetime’. Mr. Bhandari believes he is well suited for this role and can contribute to the ongoing mission of the University.
Mr Bhangal highlighted his global connections, deep understanding of Oxford and the University of Oxford and experience as a curriculum developer and visiting professor. He believes that his strong business skills, multicultural competence and government contacts in major economies around the world make him a valuable asset to the University of Oxford in the 21st century.
Tarwadi sees the chancellorship as an opportunity to promote inclusivity, innovation and global impact. He claims that his international experience and network will be vital in establishing new partnerships and strengthening existing partnerships, thereby ensuring Oxford’s continued leadership in global academic and research endeavours.
Oxford Chancellor – a decade of leadership
In line with recent amendments to the University’s statutes, the incoming Chancellor will serve a fixed term of no more than 10 years.
The Chancellor serves as the ceremonial head of the University of Oxford, presiding over important ceremonies and chairing the committee that elects the Vice-Chancellor. Beyond these formal responsibilities, the Chancellor engages in advocacy, advisory and fundraising activities, representing the University at various national and international events.
The post of Chancellor was previously held by former Conservative Prime Minister Harold Macmillan, former Labor Home Secretary and European Commission President Roy Jenkins, and most recently Lord Patten.
