RUDN University confers honorary doctorate on President Mahama in Moscow
The Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University) has conferred an honorary doctorate on President John Dramani Mahama in Moscow in recognition of his decades of public service.
President Mahama expressed appreciation to the university for the distinction, dedicating the honour to the people of Ghana, whose confidence in him, he said, had given meaning to his years of service to the country.
Speaking during his acceptance speech, the President said the recognition reflected not only his personal efforts but also the support and trust of the people he represents.
“A university honors an individual, but the work that brings that individual to its doors to receive that honor is seldom done by the individual alone,” he said.
“I therefore receive this honorary doctorate with appreciation to the People’s 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.”
President Mahama also thanked the government and people of the Russian Federation for the hospitality extended to him and his delegation during their visit to Moscow.
He expressed further gratitude to the leadership and academic council of RUDN University for welcoming him into its academic community.
The President said he accepted the distinction with humility and a renewed commitment to serving Ghana and contributing to international understanding.
“I accept this distinction with humility and with a renewed sense of responsibility to serve my country and our world and contribute to understanding between our people,” he added.
RUDN University, formerly known as Patrice Lumumba Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia, is associated with the legacy of Patrice Lumumba, the Congolese independence leader and pan-Africanist. The institution has a long-standing history of welcoming students from Africa and other parts of the world.
The conferment comes as President Mahama undertakes engagements in Moscow aimed at strengthening bilateral relations between Ghana and Russia and deepening cooperation between Africa and Russia.
His visit includes participation in activities connected with the Russia-Africa Forum, alongside engagements intended to promote economic, educational and diplomatic ties between the two sides.
