London: The London School of Economics
(LSE), one of the most prestigious academic institutions, was
on Wednesday criticised for its 'chapter of failures' following an
inquiry its links with the deposed Gaddafi regime.
The LSE was guilty of multiple failures of governance and
management in its links with the Gaddafi regime, the inquiry
conducted by Lord Woolf, the former chief justice of England
and Wales.
The inquiry report says mistakes and errors of judgement
damaged the LSE's reputation.
Its director, Sir Howard Davies, resigned in March over a
1.5 million pounds gift from a foundation led by Gaddafi's son
Saif, a former student.
The LSE said it accepts all Lord Woolf's recommendations.
Professor Judith Rees, Director of LSE, said: "The
publication of this report will help LSE move on from this
unhappy chapter in its otherwise celebrated history. It is
consoling that Lord Woolf finds that no academic or other
staff member at LSE acted other than in what they perceived to
be the best interests of the School".
However, it seemed likely that Saif Gaddafi will not be
stripped of his PhD following plagiarism allegations.
Among the inquiry's findings are that Sir Howard Davies,
the former director of the school who resigned over the
scandal, was ultimately responsible for this failure to fully
inform the council, and that no one at the LSE kept track of
the school's many connections with the Gaddafi regime.
The report noted that Saif Gaddafi was asked for a gift
six weeks after his doctorate had been confirmed, but before
its formal award at his degree ceremony.
PTI
First Published: Wednesday, November 30, 2011, 23:02