Rector of Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali (UNISSA) Dr Haji Norarfan bin Haji Zainal who paid a courtesy call on Fadhilat Al-Imam Al-Akbar Sheikh Al-Azhar Ustaz Dr Ahmad At-Tayyib in Cairo, Egypt recently, expressed his appreciation for the bilateral cooperation between UNISSA and Al-Azhar University. He also acknowledged contributions by the Egyptian university for the development of Islamic teachings in Brunei.
Discussions included academic collaboration such as the deployment of academic personnel in Arabic language, Syariah, and Hadith from Al-Azhar University to UNISSA on a contractual basis.
Sheikh Al-Azhar, meanwhile, extended a warm welcome to the rector and delegation and declared a strong bond and affection for Brunei and its government.
He conveyed Al-Azhar’s readiness to collaborate such as training of teachers to strengthen and enhance Islamic teachings.
The rector and delegation paid working visits and joined discussions with President of Al-Azhar University Professor Dr Salamah Daoud; the International Alumni Organisation of Al-Azhar University; the Federation of Universities of Islamic World; Majma Buhuth Islam; and Markaz Tathweer Ma’had Bu’uth Islamiyyah. They also met members of the Committee of the Welfare Body for Bruneian students in Cairo.
They also visited two residential buildings for Bruneian students – Darussalam and An-Nur – during their visit.
Dean of the Faculty of Usuluddin at UNISSA Professor Dato’ Dr Mohd Fakhrudin bin Abdul Mukti and Assistant Rector (Academic) of UNISSA Associate Professor Dr Siti Sara binti Haji Ahmad accompanied the rector. – Rokiah Mahmud
