Omanghana
President John Dramani Mahama has received an honorary doctorate from the Patrice Lumumba Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia, known as RUDN University, in recognition of his public service, leadership and contributions to expanding access to education.
The ceremony took place at the university’s campus in Moscow on October 27, 2026, during his visit to Russia for the third Russia–Africa Summit.
RUDN University Rector, Professor Oleg A. Yastrebov, led the conferment ceremony, attended by members of the university’s board, academic council and diplomatic corps.
The occasion marked a return to a familiar institution for President Mahama, who studied at the university as a postgraduate student nearly four decades ago.
In his acceptance speech, the President reflected on the legacies of Congolese independence leader Patrice Lumumba and Ghana’s first President, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah. He stressed that Africa’s freedom must extend beyond political independence to include economic and institutional self-determination.
President Mahama also welcomed Professor Yastrebov’s proposal to establish a Russian–African studies program and accepted an invitation for outstanding Ghanaian students to pursue specialized studies at RUDN.
As part of efforts to strengthen educational cooperation, Professor Yastrebov announced a Patrice Lumumba scholarship scheme to support seven students from Ghana and other African countries annually.
The ceremony formed part of President Mahama’s program in Moscow, which also included engagements with the Russian University of Transport, bilateral talks with President Vladimir Putin and meetings with the Russian Academy of Sciences.
Source: Omanghana
