LONDON (TIP): The University of Wolverhampton, which saw 152 Indian students enrol in 2014/15, has received a£1 million (Rupees 10 crores) donation from Lord Swaraj Paul – the largest in the university’s history.

The philanthropic gift by Lord Paul is in memory of his daughter Ambika.

A similar donation of £1 million was made to the London Zoo in 1994 by Lord Paul who has been the chancellor of the university for 19 years now.

Speaking to TOI, Lord Paul said “My mission has been to ensure that higher education is also for ordinary people. This University is in the heart of the Asian community and 30% of its students are multi ethnic. The money will be used to upgrade the university’s student facilities”.

Lord Paul has been a vocal advocate campaigning against Britain’s visa regime that has seen a major drop – by almost 25%, in the number of Indian students visiting UK for education.

Lord Paul said “The number of Indian students have been dipping simply because of UK’s visa regimen. I have constantly brought up the issue in the House of Lords”.

Lord Paul is leading the university’s delegation to India from April 13-17 April along with vice-chancellor Professor Geoff Layer. The delegation will travel to Delhi and Rajasthan where they will meet India’s Human Resource Development minister Smriti Irani and lunch the University’s Delhi-based alumni.

Lord Paul has been Chancellor of the University of Wolverhampton since 1999. The university said the donation will be used to enhance the student experience. “A similar donation was made to the London Zoo in 1994, a place Ambika loved to go to. One third of the zoo is named after Ambika. I spent a lot of time there with her”.