Vice Rector I of UIN SSC, Dr. Ahmad Ayus Yusuf, M.Si., Highlights Institutional Transformation and Global Collaboration at MoU Signing with We One Work (WoW) Malaysia
Cirebon, March 9, 2026 — Dr. Ahmad Ayus Yusuf, M.Si., Vice Rector I of UIN Siber Syekh Nurjati Cirebon (UIN SSC), delivered a welcoming address during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between UIN SSC and We One Work (WoW), Malaysia. The ceremony was held in the Senate Room on the second floor of the UIN SSC’s Rectorate Building and attended by key representatives from both WoW Malaysia and UIN SSC. Among the UIN SSC attendees were Dr. Ayus Ahmad Yusuf, M.Si., (Vice Rector I), Prof. Dr. Hajam, M.Ag., (Vice Rector III), Lala Bumela Sudimantara, Ph.D. (Director of the International Office), Wahyono, S.Pd.I., M.Pd.I. (Head of the Career Development Center), Dr. Maulidiya Ulfah, M.Pd., (the Institute for Research and Community Service/LP2M), Zainal Arifin, S.Ag. (Head of Academic and General Administration), Dr. Naila Farah, M.Ag. (Dean of FDKI), Dr. Arief Rachman, M.Si. (Vice Dean I of FDKI), Dr. Naeila Rifatul Muna, M.Pd.I. (Vice Dean II of FUA), Dr. Asep Mulyana, M.Si. (Vice Dean III of FITK), and Dr. H. Achmad Otong Busthomi, M.Ag. (Head of the Sharia Economics Department). In his remarks, Dr. Ahmad Ayus Yusuf warmly welcomed the WoW delegation and expressed his pleasure at meeting the representatives in person.
Opening his speech, Dr. Ahmad Ayus Yusuf shared the historical journey of UIN Siber Syekh Nurjati Cirebon before it transformed into a cyber-based university. He explained that the institution initially began as STAIN (State Islamic College), then developed into IAIN (State Islamic Institute), before eventually becoming a State Islamic University with a cyber-based academic system. According to him, this transformation reflects the institution’s commitment to responding to the changing demands of education. Over time, the university has continuously adapted its vision to remain relevant and accessible to a broader community. The shift toward becoming a cyber university marks a significant milestone in the institution’s development. Through this transformation, UIN SSC seeks to expand its role in providing inclusive and innovative education.
Dr. Ahmad Ayus Yusuf acknowledged that the university’s transformation into a cyber-based institution has often raised questions from various parties. However, he emphasized that the philosophy behind this transformation is simple and meaningful. The decision was driven by the need to expand access to higher education and ensure educational equity. This vision is aligned with the recommendation of the Indonesian Minister of Religious Affairs, who encouraged UIN SSC to serve communities even in remote and underdeveloped regions, commonly referred to as the 3T (Tertinggal, Terdepan, dan Terluar) areas. From this perspective, the concept of a cyber university emerged as a practical and forward-looking solution. By embracing digital platforms, the university aims to reach learners who may not have access to conventional campus-based education.
As a cyber university, UIN SSC offers broader learning opportunities for people regardless of geographical boundaries. Through open and flexible learning resources, individuals from various regions can access educational programs offered by the university. This model reflects the institution’s commitment to inclusivity and accessibility in higher education. At the same time, the cyber university status requires strong technological infrastructure and digital capabilities. To support this development, UIN SSC has established several distance learning programs (Pendidikan Jarak Jauh/PJJ). Currently, the university offers five master’s programs and one doctoral program through distance education. These initiatives demonstrate the university’s readiness to integrate digital innovation into its academic system.
Alongside this digital transformation, UIN SSC continues to strengthen its commitment to quality improvement and institutional development. Dr. Ahmad Ayus Yusuf explained that the university actively seeks strategies to enhance its quality assurance systems. In addition to national and independent accreditation processes, the university also participates in various global university ranking assessments. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to improve institutional performance and international visibility. “In pursuing these efforts, UIN SSC actively builds networks and collaborations with various partners. Therefore, I warmly welcome today’s MoU with WoW,” he stated. According to him, partnerships such as this are essential for supporting the university’s long-term development.
He further emphasized that establishing international collaboration is part of UIN SSC’s broader mission to grow into a university that can better serve society. Through cooperation with global partners, the university hopes to strengthen its academic ecosystem and expand opportunities for students and scholars. Dr. Ahmad Ayus Yusuf expressed optimism that the collaboration with WoW Malaysia would bring meaningful contributions. “Hopefully, through this partnership, both UIN SSC and WoW can share knowledge and collaborate in developing the quality of human resources,” he concluded. The event ended with the official signing of the MoU and a documentation session.
Author: Salsabilla