President Mahama conferred honorary doctorate by Russia’s RUDN University

President John Mahama has been conferred with an honorary doctorate degree by the RUDN University of Russia, also known as Patrice Lumumba University, in Moscow.

The President, who studied in Russia as a postgraduate student almost four decades ago, said returning to the university brought a sense of nostalgia.

In his speech, he welcomed the university’s proposal to establish a Russian-African studies programme and its invitation for Ghana to send some of its brightest students to the institution for specialised studies.

President Mahama expressed appreciation to the Russian government for scholarships awarded to Ghanaian students and its continued support for educational cooperation.

He said stronger partnerships between Ghanaian and Russian institutions could promote student and faculty exchanges, joint research and professional training in fields including engineering, medicine and energy.

The President stressed that education remained central to Ghana’s development ambitions, emphasising the need to expand 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.

President Mahama also talked about 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 challenged Africans to envision a future defined by dignity, sovereignty and genuine independence.

“Our responsibility as present-day African leaders is to give practical expression to that aspiration of our forebears,” he said, adding that this responsibility must be reflected in the quality of education, the strength of institutions and the opportunities created for young people.

He described RUDN University as a symbol of solidarity and friendship between Russia and countries that emerged from colonial rule, noting that its long-standing educational links with Africa had helped train generations of professionals who returned home to contribute to national development.

Addressing students, the President urged them to take full advantage of their educational opportunities, remain open to different perspectives and uphold integrity in their professional lives.

“Above all, protect your integrity, the trust of those you serve is a responsibility that no academic distinction can replace,” he said.

He concluded by expressing hope that stronger ties between Ghana and Russia would create further opportunities for young people and that knowledge acquired at the university would translate into meaningful service to humanity.