President Mahama Receives Honorary Doctorate Degree From Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia
President John Dramani Mahama has received an honorary doctorate from the Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), also known as Patrice Lumumba University, in Moscow, where he pursued postgraduate studies nearly four decades ago.
During the ceremony, President Mahama welcomed plans to establish a Russian-African studies programme and an invitation for Ghana to nominate its brightest students for specialised training in Russia.
He also expressed appreciation to the Russian government for providing scholarship opportunities to Ghanaian students and called for stronger academic ties between the two countries. He said cooperation could include student and faculty exchanges, joint research and professional training in fields such as engineering, medicine and energy.
Addressing the gathering, President Mahama stressed that university education should equip graduates with the knowledge and practical skills needed to address real-life challenges.
“A university qualification should give its holder the confidence to ask searching questions and the ability to solve real-world problems,” he said.
He also reflected on the ideals championed by African leaders such as Ghana’s first President, Kwame Nkrumah, and former Congolese Prime Minister Patrice Lumumba, whose vision centred on African dignity, self-determination and political 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.
RUDN University has long served as a centre for educational cooperation between Russia and countries that gained independence from colonial rule, including several African nations. The institution has trained professionals from across the continent and remains associated with Russia’s efforts to strengthen relations with developing countries.
President Mahama encouraged students to make good use of the opportunities available to them, remain open to learning and uphold strong ethical values in their academic and professional lives.
He expressed hope that closer cooperation between RUDN University and Ghana would create further educational opportunities for young people, with the knowledge and skills gained contributing to national development and improving lives in their communities.
