£155m Donation To University of Oxford Under Investigation – UK Education Minister

The UK government is investigating a £155m donation to University of Oxford from a Vietnamese company based on concerns raised in the Commons over Linacre College’s memorandum of understanding with SOVICO Group.

It plans to change its name to Thao College following a first gift of £50m.

A Linacre College spokesperson said it has already taken steps to ensure the donations will be “in line with government guidance and laws”.

Education minister Michelle Donelan told menbers of parliament that she was investigating the matter and would provide an update within days.

Universities will be expected to share details of financial arrangements from overseas people and organisations.

The college signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with SOVICO Group on 31 October.

The name change – which will need to be approved by the Privy Council – will be made in honour of SOVICO Group’s chairwoman, Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao.

The college spokesperson said its actions have been approved by its governing body and the university’s committee to review donations and research funding, which both follow a “robust, independent process”.

They said all donations are in line with government guidance and laws having additionally engaged with a considerable number of key stakeholders to ensure that important information is shared as appropriate.

The college was founded in 1962 and is named after the Renaissance humanist, medical scientist and classicist Thomas Linacre.

The college previously said the donation will help to pay for a new graduate centre and graduate access scholarships.