The RUDN University in Russia has conferred an Honorary Doctorate degree on President John Dramani Mahama for his commitment to expanding access to education and strengthening Ghana–Russia cooperation in education and scientific research.
Rector of the University, Professor Oleg A. Yastrebov, in his address on Tuesday, 27 October 2026, lauded President Mahama for his commitment to improving access to education, including the introduction of the No Fees Stress Policy and other interventions. He noted that the support programme had covered more than 152,000 first-year students at public universities, while free higher education had become available to students with disabilities.
He intimated that Ghanaians had been studying at the university since its founding.
“We are proud that more than 730, almost 800, graduates from Ghana are today working for the benefit of their country and contributing to the development of its economy, public sector, education and healthcare, while carrying the values of justice, equality and friendship,” he said.
On his part, President Mahama stated that over the years, progressive policies such as Free Compulsory Universal Basic Education and the school feeding programme had ensured gender parity and almost total enrolment in basic education programmes.
“Additional initiatives such as the Free Senior High School programme, the No-Fee Stress policy, support for students with disabilities, and improved access to financing for tertiary students have all helped remove financial barriers that prevent young Ghanaians from accessing education,” he said.
He further indicated that there was a need to further strengthen cooperation between Ghana and Russia in education and scientific research.
“For our country, the value of education shows up in better healthcare, more productive agriculture, stronger businesses, and public institutions that serve our people well. This is why closer relationships among universities, industry, and government are essential. Research must have pathways into practice, and students need opportunities to test their ideas, gain experience, and turn their abilities into livelihoods,” President Mahama stressed.
He explained that this was the rationale behind the need for closer relationships among universities, industry and government.
President Mahama, who welcomed the proposal by Professor Yastrebov for the establishment of a Russian–African studies programme, urged the university community to be change-makers.
“Wherever your career takes you, remember the communities whose hopes are invested in your education. Your knowledge can help a patient, support a farmer, improve a public institution, or create work for someone else,” he admonished.
