Oxford college: Education minister investigating £155m donation

The graduate college was founded in 1962 and named after the 16th Century humanist scholar Thomas Linacre

A £155m donation to a University of Oxford college from a Vietnamese company is under investigation, according to the government.

Concerns were 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 MPs she was "actively investigating" the matter and would provide an update within days.

Her remarks came as the House of Commons considered a proposed Freedom of Speech Bill amendment.

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".

"All donations are in line with government guidance and laws. We have additionally engaged with a considerable number of key stakeholders to ensure that important information is shared as appropriate," they said.

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

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