Mahama receives honorary doctorate from Russian university nearly 40 years after postgraduate studies

President John Dramani Mahama has been awarded an honorary doctorate by the Peoples' Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University) in Moscow, nearly four decades after he studied at the institution as a postgraduate student.

The honorary degree was conferred on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, at a ceremony attended by RUDN University Rector, Professor Oleg A. Yastrebov, members of the university's Board and Academic Council, Defence Minister Kenneth Agyei, members of the President's delegation, the diplomatic corps, faculty and students.

President Mahama, in accepting the honour, reflected on his return to the university after almost 40 years.

He said the occasion evoked "a sense of nostalgia" as he stepped onto the campus again after studying in Russia as a postgraduate student.

"Honestly, an individual receives an honour such as this seldom by their own work alone. I therefore receive this honorary doctorate with appreciation to the Peoples' Friendship University of Russia and with deep gratitude to the people of Ghana, whose confidence in me has given meaning to my decades of public service," he said.

Lumumba and Nkrumah legacy
President Mahama said the conferment held particular significance because RUDN University bears the name of Patrice Lumumba, the Congolese independence leader.

He linked Lumumba's legacy to that of Ghana's first President, Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah, whose vision of African independence went beyond political freedom to economic and institutional self-determination.

"For Ghanaians, his name is closely aligned with our first President, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, whose conviction was that African freedom must extend beyond raising national flags to true freedom and independence," he said.

President Mahama said contemporary African leaders had a responsibility to translate the aspirations of the continent's founding leaders into tangible improvements in education, institutions and opportunities for young people.

He also called for renewed efforts to address historical injustices against people of African descent arising from colonial domination and the transatlantic slave trade.

He advocated the pursuit of justice through informed dialogue and international cooperation.

Push for Russian–African studies programme

The President welcomed discussions with Professor Yastrebov on a proposal to establish a Russian–African studies programme at the university.

He also welcomed an invitation for Ghana to nominate some of its brightest students to study at RUDN University and specialise in various fields.

President Mahama expressed appreciation to the Russian Government for scholarships provided to Ghanaian students and for its continued support for educational cooperation between the two countries.

"The experiences of our students illustrate a lasting truth about international cooperation: its deepest influence is often found in people's lives. A young person studying on a scholarship returns to change the fortunes of their family," he said.

Mahama highlights Ghana's education policies

President Mahama also used the occasion to highlight Ghana's efforts to expand access to education, including Free Compulsory Universal Basic Education, the school feeding programme, Free Senior High School, the No-Fee Stress policy, support for students with disabilities and improved access to tertiary financing.

He stressed, however, that expanding access must be accompanied by improvements in the quality of education.

The President called for stronger collaboration among universities, industry and government to ensure that academic research could be translated into practical solutions.

He urged students to uphold integrity and make meaningful use of the relationships and intellectual experiences gained during their time at the university.

"You are the living expression of this university's mission. The friendships you form here and the habits of thought you develop will travel with you long after you have graduated… Above all, protect your integrity; the trust of those you serve is a responsibility that no academic distinction can replace," he told them.

RUDN establishes Lumumba scholarship
Earlier, Professor Yastrebov announced that RUDN University would establish a scholarship in honour of Patrice Lumumba, with seven students to benefit from the scheme each year.

Speaking on the theme, "RUDN–Africa: Strategic Partnership in Science and Education", the Rector described the university as a longstanding partner of Africa and a centre for expertise on issues concerning the continent.

He said the institution remained "a friend of Africa, a leading expert centre" and a place "where cultures meet, ideas are shared and bridges are built between countries and peoples".

Professor Yastrebov highlighted the university's longstanding relationship with Ghana and expressed confidence that the two sides could deepen cooperation in education, science, peace and mutual understanding.