YEARS of hard work has finally paid off for 148 students as they yesterday received their degrees from His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, the Chancellor of Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali (UNISSA), during the 3rd UNISSA Hafl Al-Takharruj (Convocation), which played out at the Plenary Hall of the International Convention Centre (ICC) in Berakas.

Accompanying His Majesty was His Royal Highness Prince (Dr) Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office, as the Pro-Chancellor of UNISSA; Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Masna, Ambassador-at-Large at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade; and YAM Pengiran Lela Cheteria Sahibun Najabah Pengiran Anak Haji Abdul Aziz.

The ‘selawat’ and ‘qasidah’ (dikir) ‘Ahlan Bikum Sultanana’ filled the air as His Majesty and the royal entourage entered the hall. Following this was the recitation of verses of Surah Al-Mujaadalah by a Bachelor of Syariah (Fiqh and Judiciary) graduate, Ak Muhammad Aziman Pg Haji Rakawi.

The Hadith Al-Nabawi was read by Nazirul Mubin bin Ahad, a graduate of Bachelor of Usuluddin (Aqidah & Da’wah); while a translation of both verses and hadith was read by Adi Aismat bin Lamat, a graduate of Bachelor of Syariah (Fiqh and Judiciary).

Later, UNISSA Acting Rector Pg Anak Dr Hj Amiruddin Alam Shah bin Pg Anak Haji Ismail delivered a welcoming remarks.

The day also saw His Majesty delivering a titah, before the monarch went on to award the doctorate, masters, bachelors and diplomas to the graduates.

The ceremony continue with the granting of the University Medal, Book Award and Book Award for Excellent Students in the Al-Qur’an Course (Arabic and English mediums) as well as a Book Award for Excellent Student in Malay Islamic Monarchy (MIB) course.

UNISSA has effectively executed educational programmes, exploration and human resource competencies to generate suitable and proficient graduates who still inculcate the tenets of Islamic wisdom.

These alumni are foreseen to develop into specialists and intelligentsias with ability and reliability, while still upholding Islamic virtues and values to subsidise to the enhancement and innovation of the Sultanate. - Borneo Bulletin (3 November 2013)