President John Dramani Mahama has urged students of the Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN) to uphold integrity, develop critical thinking skills and use their education to improve the lives of people in their communities.
He said academic achievement should not be measured solely by qualifications but also by the positive impact graduates make through their knowledge, professional conduct and service to society.
President Mahama gave the advice in Moscow while delivering his acceptance speech after receiving an honorary doctorate from the university.
Addressing students, he described them as the living expression of the institution’s mission and encouraged them to make full use of the educational opportunities available to them.
He urged them to study their chosen disciplines thoroughly while remaining open to learning from people whose experiences and backgrounds differ from theirs.
President Mahama also encouraged the students to question their assumptions and reconsider their opinions when presented with credible evidence.
“Be willing to revise an opinion when the evidence before you demands it,” he said.
He reminded the students that their education carried responsibilities to the families and communities whose hopes were invested in their academic pursuits.
According to him, the knowledge they acquire could be used to improve healthcare, support farmers, strengthen public institutions and create employment opportunities for others.
The President emphasised that integrity remained an essential quality for anyone seeking to make a meaningful contribution to society.
“Above all, protect your integrity; the trust of those you serve is a responsibility that no academic distinction can replace,” he told the students.
President Mahama said he accepted his honorary doctorate as both recognition and encouragement to continue working towards improved education and peaceful cooperation among nations.
He added that the honour served as a reminder that leadership requires a willingness to learn continuously.
The President also called for stronger educational partnerships between Ghana and Russia, including student and faculty exchanges, joint research and professional training in areas of mutual interest.
He expressed appreciation to the Russian Government for its scholarship support for Ghanaian students and encouraged both countries to build on their longstanding academic ties.
President Mahama is in Moscow for the third Russia-Africa Forum, hosted by Russian President Vladimir Putin. He is also expected to hold bilateral talks with the Russian leader and engage representatives of Russian businesses and state institutions.
Story by: Emmanuel Romeo Tetteh(#RomeoWrites✍️) Presidential Affairs Correspondent | Ghana 🇬🇭
