President Mahama conferred honorary doctorate by Russia’s RUDN University
President John Dramani Mahama has been awarded an honorary doctorate degree by Russia’s RUDN University, also known as Patrice Lumumba University, in Moscow.
The President, who pursued postgraduate studies in Russia nearly four decades ago, said his return to the institution brought back fond memories.
In his address, President Mahama welcomed the university’s proposal to establish a Russian-African studies programme and its invitation for Ghana to nominate some of its brightest students for specialised studies at the institution.
He also expressed gratitude to the Russian government for providing scholarships to Ghanaian students and supporting educational cooperation between the two countries.
President Mahama said closer collaboration between Ghanaian and Russian academic institutions could facilitate student and faculty exchanges, joint research projects and professional training in areas such as engineering, medicine and energy.
He emphasised that education remained central to Ghana’s development goals, stressing the importance of expanding access while improving the quality and relevance of learning.
“A university qualification should give its holder the confidence to ask searching questions and the ability to solve real-world problems,” he said.
The President also reflected on the legacies of Ghana’s first President, Dr Kwame Nkrumah, and Congolese independence leader Patrice Lumumba, whose name the university bears.
He said the two leaders represented a generation that inspired Africans to pursue a future built on dignity, sovereignty and genuine independence.
President Mahama noted that contemporary African leaders had a responsibility to translate the aspirations of their predecessors into practical outcomes through quality education, stronger institutions and greater opportunities for young people.
He described RUDN University as a symbol of solidarity and friendship between Russia and countries that gained independence from colonial rule. He added that the institution’s longstanding educational partnerships with Africa had helped train generations of professionals who returned to contribute to development in their home countries.
Addressing students, the President encouraged them to make the most of their educational opportunities, embrace diverse perspectives and uphold integrity throughout their professional careers.
“Above all, protect your integrity, the trust of those you serve is a responsibility that no academic distinction can replace,” he said.
President Mahama concluded by expressing hope that stronger relations between Ghana and Russia would create more opportunities for young people and ensure that knowledge acquired at the university translated into meaningful service to humanity.
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