This eminent and erudite scholar from the Republic of Sierra Leone was born on Sunday, September 3, 1950. He received his formal education from different institutions at home and abroad where he acquired various qualifications, including a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Chemistry from the University of Sierra Leone, and a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) from the University of Birmingham, United Kingdom.
He is a member of several professional bodies and networks, which include a Regular Associate, the International Centre for Theoretical Physics (Trieste, Italy), and the New York Academy of Sciences among others.
His work career, like his education, happened in the United Kingdom and his home country, Sierra Leone. He worked as a Research/Teaching Assistant at the University of Birmingham, United Kingdom, and as a Lecturer, Senior Lecturer, Associate Professor, and Professor at the Fourah Bay College and the University of Sierra Leone.
He was the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Fourah Bay College, Pro Vice-Chancellor, University of Sierra Leone, Chairman of the University of Sierra Leone Court Sub-Committee on World University Rankings, and Chairman, United Methodist University Development Committee, Sierra Leone Annual Conference. He was a Consultant Soil Scientist to the ESCaPP Project for the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Benin Republic. He is currently the Executive Director, Sierra Leone Standards Bureau.
He is very passionate about education and has been a keynote Speaker at various educational forums globally, including the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Vienna, Austria in 1994, International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP), Trieste, Italy in 1995, UNESCO & International Bureau of Education, Geneva, Switzerland in 2001, etc. He has authored several books and contributed chapters to several others. He has to his credit many articles in reputable international journals, several conference papers, and numerous contributions to international conferences, workshops, and seminars.
On the home front, he successfully worked with the Multilateral Projects Division of the Sierra Leone Ministry of Finance to facilitate the rehabilitation of the Fourah Bay College. His leadership inspired the College to win the All Works of Life (AWOL) Award as the Academic Institution of the Year in 2009. He initiated the programme of compulsory Computer, Information, and Technology Literacy Module that has helped to equip graduates of the College with the knowledge of ICT. In addition, being a visionary, he introduced a special module on entrepreneurship for graduating students of the College as part of capacity building for self-employment. Currently, in Sierra Leone, he is championing the promotion of standards-informed quality to trade-related social and economic development as per the ISO 9001 requirements.
This educationist’s association with The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) started when he was appointed the Examiner for WAEC A ‘Level’ Chemistry in 1974. He rendered this service for more than a decade. He was appointed by the Government
of the Republic of Sierra Leone as a Nominee and was elected as a Representative from the University on Council between 2001 and 2011 when, by virtue of his position, he became a member of various committees of Council at both national and international levels. He interacted extensively with the Chairman, Registrar, Council Members, and staff of the organisation and made positive contributions at meetings, bringing out novel ideas and perspectives on issues. He was an advocate for WAEC in Sierra Leone, advancing the Council’s interest and supporting its activities. He used his position, connection, and influence to ensure that the government of Sierra Leone made efforts to offset its outstanding financial obligations to WAEC.
At the 72nd Annual Council Meeting held in March 2024, this renowned educationist, Prof. Thomas Brima Rick Yormah, was elected by acclamation as the 21st Chairman of WAEC for a three-year tenure (2024-2027), in line with the Council’s Convention.
Prof. Yormah is married, and the union is blessed with children.