President John Dramani Mahama has received eight honorary doctorate degrees from universities in Africa, Europe and Asia, with two Russian institutions adding to his list of honours on October 27, 2026.

The latest awards were conferred by the Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University) and the Russian University of Transport during separate ceremonies in Moscow on October 29, 2026.

The two honours bring to three the number of honorary doctorates Mahama has received in 2026, following an honorary Doctor of Philosophy in Public Administration from South Korea’s Yonsei University in March 2026.

His record of honorary academic awards dates back to 2012, when Ekiti State University in Nigeria conferred an honorary Doctorate in Public Administration on him while he was serving as Vice-President of Ghana.

Here is the breakdown of President Mahama’s honorary doctorates

Ekiti State University, Nigeria - 2012

John Mahama received an honorary Doctorate in Public Administration from Ekiti State University while serving as Vice-President in recognition of his sterling leadership qualities.


University of Ilorin, Nigeria - October 2015

In 2015, the University of Ilorin conferred an honorary Doctor of Laws degree on Mahama.

University of Aberdeen, Scotland - March 2016

The Scottish university awarded Mahama an honorary Doctor of Laws degree at a ceremony held at King’s College.

Igbinedion University, Okada, Nigeria - November 2018

Mahama received an honorary doctorate in letters (D.Litt.) from Igbinedion University, Okada (IUO), a premier private university in Nigeria.

5. Lyon Business School, France - December 5, 2018

The French institution conferred an honorary doctorate on Mahama in recognition of his leadership and role model status in Africa.

Yonsei University, South Korea - March 13, 2026

Yonsei University in Seoul also awarded Mahama an honorary Doctor of Philosophy in Public Administration.

President Mahama receives honorary doctorate from Russian university

The ceremony was presided over by university president Yoon Dong-sup and Graduate School Dean Kim Hyun-chul.

He was recognised for his contributions to public service, democratic governance, national transformation, and economic development in Ghana, as well as his engagement with the global academic community

Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), Moscow - October 27, 2026

RUDN University, also known as Patrice Lumumba University, conferred an honorary doctorate on Mahama in recognition of his commitment to expanding access to education and strengthening Ghana–Russia cooperation in education and scientific research.

Mahama is an alumnus of the institution, where he pursued postgraduate studies.

Russian University of Transport, Moscow - October 27, 2026

The Russian University of Transport honoured Mahama for his leadership, public service and contribution to national development, particularly in transport infrastructure, education and professional training.

He became the first sitting president to receive an honorary doctorate from the institution.

What about Lincoln University?

Lincoln University in Pennsylvania, United States, had planned to confer an honorary doctorate on Mahama in March 2026.

However, the university cancelled the planned conferment and his scheduled campus visit.

JKB/VPO

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