Written by
Mohamad Final Daeng
Published
The Chancellor of the Indonesian Islamic University (UII) Fathul Wahid shocked
At a time when many people dream of having "Prof" written in front of their name, Fathul instead asks that his academic position not be mentioned.
Not just mere talk, Fathul formalized this attitude in official policy through the Circular UII Chancellor numbered 2748/Rek/10/SP/VII/2024. The letter dated July 18 2024 was addressed to all structural officials within UII.
The letter reads: "In order to strengthen the collegial atmosphere in the governance of tertiary institutions, we hereby convey that all correspondence letters, documents and legal products other than diplomas, grade transcripts and the equivalent that was signed by the Chancellor which had written the full title 'Prof. Fathul Wahid, S.T., M.Sc., Ph.D.' to be written without the title as 'Fathul Wahid'."
On his Instagram account, Fathul explained further.
"With all due respect, as an effort to desacralize the position of professor, to all friends, starting today please don't call me 'prof.' , Mas Fathul, or Pak Fathul. God willing it will be more peaceful and happier. Thank you," he wrote.
When confirmed on Friday (19/7/2024), Fathul confirmed the circular letter and Instagram post. According to him, this attitude is an effort to maintain collegiality in the campus environment.
"There is no longer social distance, bureaucracy is being elevated. We hope that the campus becomes one of the most democratic places on earth," he said.
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Finally, Fathul mentioned his desire to desacralize the position of professor.
He did not deny that being a professor is the highest academic rank, but the position is not sacred enough to make professors seem infallible, immune to debate, or over-glorified beyond reason.
"Therefore, I hope that the title of professor will no longer be pursued by justifying any means, either by the academic community or by politicians and officials," he said.
