Malang, NU Online
The leader of Tebuireng Islamic Boarding School (pesantren), Jombang, East Java, KH Salahuddin Wahid (Gus Sholah), received an Honorary Doctorate degree in Management from the Maulana Malik Ibrahim State Islamic  University (UIN), on Saturday.

The UIN rector, Prof. Imam Suprayogo said, the title  had long been planned to Gus Sholah, adding "but today the degree can be awarded following the Senate's Open Meeting of the university.

Imam explained, the postponement of the award because the university must first comply with a number of government regulations, including, the campus  providing a doctoral degree must have a doctoral program and had ever inaugurated a number of doctoral  students.

"And, Thank God UIN Malang has had doctorate programs, so that it could award the title of Honorary Doctorate to Gus Sholah," he said.

According to Imam, Gus Sholah was appropriate to receive the degree for his achievements through the development of Pesantren Tebuireng.

Imam explained, Gus Sholah was the first to receive the Honorary Doctorate degree from the university.

Meanwhile, Gus Solah admitted that he did not deserve the Honorary Doctorate because of it is related to himself in bearing "very heavy responsibilities".

"This title is an honor and is the highest award, but I still do not feel that I deserve this award, therefore hopefully I can do my best, especially in maintaining pesantren education Indonesia," he said. (sa)