RUDN University Honours President Mahama for His Commitment to Education and Ghana-Russia Cooperation

President John Dramani Mahama has been honoured by Russia’s Peoples’ Friendship University (RUDN University) in recognition of his commitment to expanding access to education, promoting equal opportunities and strengthening educational and scientific cooperation between Ghana and Russia.

The university cited Ghana’s efforts to widen access to education, including support for more than 152,000 first-year students at public universities and the provision of free higher education for students with disabilities.

Speaking at the conferment ceremony in Moscow, the Rector of RUDN University, Professor Oleg Yastrebov, said President Mahama’s attention to Russian-Ghanaian scientific and educational partnerships reflected values shared by the institution, particularly equal opportunities and the development of human potential.

“Your Excellency, you pay special attention to the development of Russian-Ghanaian scientific and educational partnership. Your academic path is one link between our countries,” the Rector said.

He noted that President Mahama received his postgraduate education in Moscow, giving him firsthand experience of the importance of international educational cooperation.

The Rector also referenced Ghana’s progress in expanding access to education, noting that the country achieved gender parity in primary education during President Mahama’s first presidential term.

He said the university valued its longstanding relationship with Ghana, pointing to the more than 730, approaching 800, Ghanaian graduates who had studied at the institution and were contributing to the country’s economy, public sector, education and healthcare.

According to the Rector, almost 600 Ghanaian students were studying in Russia, many of them at RUDN University. 

He disclosed that nearly 117 Ghanaian students graduated from the university’s master’s programme during the year, with 39 obtaining their degrees with honours.

The students enrolled through a partnership with Jaspan Group, initiated at the Second Russia-Africa Summit in 2023.

The Rector further noted the academic links between RUDN University and Ghanaian institutions, including three cooperation agreements and regular joint research involving scientists from both countries.

He also cited a programme on waste management and sustainable urban development in the Greater Accra Region, through which 45 municipal employees had completed training over the preceding two years.

He described the initiative as a joint achievement and a contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals in the region, adding that the university valued partnerships built on practical initiatives and concrete results.

On his part, President Mahama expressed gratitude to the university and the people of Ghana, whose confidence, he said, had given meaning to his decades of public service.

“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.

The President, who recalled returning to the campus after almost 40 years since studying in Russia as a postgraduate student, said he accepted the honour with humility and a renewed sense of responsibility to serve Ghana and contribute to understanding between peoples.

He also connected the university’s identity to the historical struggle for African dignity and sovereignty, noting that the institution bears the name of Patrice Lumumba, whose ideals aligned with those of Ghana’s first President, Dr Kwame Nkrumah.

President Mahama said the responsibility of present-day African leaders was to translate the aspirations of the continent’s founding leaders into practical outcomes, including better schools, stronger institutions and more opportunities for young people.

He called for stronger collaboration among universities, industry and governments, arguing that research must be translated into practical solutions and students given opportunities to develop their skills and create livelihoods.

“I accept this honorary doctorate degree as encouragement to continue working for education and peaceful cooperation among peoples. I also receive it as a reminder that leadership must remain open to continuous learning,” he stated.

The President welcomed a proposal by Professor Yastrebov for a Russian-African studies programme and an invitation for outstanding Ghanaian students to specialise at the university. 

He also expressed appreciation to the Russian Government for scholarships for Ghanaian students and its continued support for educational cooperation.

He called for stronger partnerships between Ghanaian and Russian institutions through student and faculty exchanges, joint research and professional training in engineering, medicine, energy and other areas of shared interest.

President Mahama said such cooperation should address clearly identified needs and create practical opportunities for students and researchers in both countries.

Richard Aniagyei, ISD