Lebanese University Professors Association Condemns Wahab's Statements and Demands Apology

The Executive Committee of the Association of Full-Time Professors at the Lebanese University condemned in a statement "the humiliating and irresponsible statements recently issued by Mr. Wi'am Wahab, who described half of the Lebanese University professors as donkeys," noting that "this rejected speech in its entirety, which does not reflect a conscious and responsible person, constitutes a direct insult to thousands of professors recognized for their scientific competence, the majority of whom graduated from the world's finest universities and dedicated their lives to teaching and scientific research despite all difficult circumstances. The best proof of their competence is the prestigious international rankings achieved by the Lebanese University locally, regionally, and globally, including those who teach at the American University of Beirut itself, with which the comparison was made."

It pointed out that "this insult represents an assault on thousands of students who struggle daily to maintain the level of their university, and on the history of a national institution that stood firm against war and collapse, providing Lebanon with its best doctors, engineers, lawyers, and teachers." It stated: "As for the student cost mentioned by Mr. Wi'am Wahab, estimated at $35,000, meaning a cost exceeding that of a student at the American University of Beirut, this figure has no connection to reality. Let Mr. Wahab know that the Lebanese University's budget for 2026 reached approximately $143 million, and its number of students is about 65,000, meaning the actual cost does not exceed $2,200 per student."

It added: "The dignity of the professor is a red line, and insulting him is an insult to everyone affiliated with the university and to the entire nation. The Lebanese University will remain above all slander, and its professors will remain role models despite all attempts at defamation."

It demanded that Wahab offer "an immediate and public apology to the entire Lebanese University family."