Appreciation to RUFORUM: Ousman Sarlia Dorley, PhD in Seed Science

I am pleased to inform you that I have completed all the requirements necessary at the University of Eldoret (UoE) and graduated with a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Seed Science. This includes passing all the courses, conducting research works, successfully defending thesis and also academic articles publications.

I was born to Mr. and Mrs. Alhaji Sarliah Blamasee Dorley Sr. and Ma-Lagbeh Amadu Blamah Sarnor both deceased. Growing up, I had to sell dried goods and food products to aid my secondary and university educational route march. Due to the 14-year civil war in Liberia, I was forced to flee to a refugee camp (Bandajuma, Sowah Chiefdom, Pujehun District) in Sierra Leone for three years, returning in 2003 to complete my academic journey at the University of Liberia. Upon returning to Liberia, I started building my professional life at the Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf rice farm as a cadet through the Ministry of Agriculture. I later worked at BRAC-Liberia and Sime Darby Liberia as an agricultural specialist.

Before pursuing my PhD studies at UoE, I earned a Master of Philosophy (MPHIL) degree in Seed Science and Technology at the University of Cape Coast through a scholarship from Ministry of Agriculture, MoA and West Africa Agricultural Productivity Program, WAAPP. I worked as a part-time lecturer at various higher learning institutions including University of Liberia, Stella Maris Polytechnic, AME Zion University, and Bomi County Community College. I was awarded a scholarship to study at UoE under the Graduate Teaching and Research Assistants (GTAs) academic mobility program under RUFORUM.

During my studies, I attended several international scientific conferences/seminars, presented papers on food security, and emailed two academic and scientific posters to RUFORUM. I also taught several courses as assigned by my department and school authorities at UoE. I thank the University of Liberia, the University of Eldoret, and RUFORUM for funding and supporting my studies, publications, and research work. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Professor Julius Onyango Ochuodho, RUFORUM Coordinator at UoE, and all members of RUFORUM Secretariat, and my esteemed supervisors for their guidance, mentorship, encouragement, and support.  

As I return to Liberia, it is my prayerful hope that all necessary authorities at the University of Liberia will review my credentials and allocate me a suitable deployment. Finally, I thank all stakeholders for their support, and I look forward to working together to contribute to the growth and progress of Liberia and Africa. With all the woes, in the face of unique diversity of challenges and complexities during the COVID-19 which I overcame.  I firmly believe that with self-confidence, determination, and Allah’s grace, all children of Africa can achieve academic excellence in regard to their dreams and aspirations, self believe can lead you beyond the Atlantic and reach at the far back of the skies.

Kudos to RUFORUM, UoE, UL for a big win!

Ousman Sarlia Dorley

PhD, Seed Science, University of Eldoret, Kenya

MPHIL, Seed Science & Technology, University of Cape Coast,

Ghana BSc General Agriculture, University of Liberia, Liberia

Email: odorley2012@yahoo.com

Contact #: (+254)   794   263 238