AN OVERVIEW OF THE ESTABLISHMENT OF UNIVERSITI ISLAM SULTAN SHARIF ALI (UNISSA)

The idea of forming another university, specifically an Islamic university in Brunei Darussalam, came from His Majesty Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzadin Waddaulah ibni al-Mahrum Sultan Haji Omar 'Ali Saifuddien Sa'adul Khairi Waddin, the Sultan and Yang DiPertuan of Negara Brunei Darussalam. In a series of titah (royal addresses), His Majesty expressed his hope either directly or indirectly on several occasions such as:

• University Brunei Darussalam 16th Convocation (3 Sya'ban 1425 / 18 September 2004):
  • His Majesty referred to the Unversity Brunei Darussalam which had reached 20 years of establishment; His Majesty suggested it was probably now the right time to form another university in the country.
    
    
• Brunei Darussalam's 21st National Day (23 February 2005):
  • His Majesty stressed the importance of strengthening the religious education system at the elementary level, while at higher level it should be able to produce ulama (scholars) and intellectuals.
• University Brunei Darussalam 17th Convocation (2 Sya'ban 1426 / 6 September 2005):
  • His Majesty made clear that the second university he had proposed previously was going to be an Islamic university, as its formation would fulfill the nation's need and the country already had the base for that formation.
• University Brunei Darussalam 18th Convocation (11 Sya'ban 1427 / 4 September 2006):
  • His Majesty highlighted that the second university that he aimed for would be a pure Islamic higher educational institution, which would be our landmark in the world and the hereafter.