TBN, Moscow: The President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Hon. Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan has been awarded an Honorary Doctorate (Honoris Causa) by the Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University) while presenting the degree to Tanzanians.
The degree was conferred by the Dean of the University, Professor Oleg Yastrebov, at a ceremony held at the University in Moscow, Russia on June 04, 2026.
President Hon. Dr. Samia has been awarded the Doctorate Degree due to his contribution to the Reform of the Education sector, his efforts to strengthen Tanzania’s Diplomacy and his contribution to enhancing Tanzania’s status internationally including through the Tourism sector.
Speaking after being awarded the degree, President Samia said that the honor given to him is not for his personal achievements but is a recognition of the efforts and aspirations of all Tanzanians.
He said the degree is a symbol of recognition of the shared commitment of all Tanzanians to bring about development, cooperation and human well-being.
“I received with joy the news of being awarded this honor, but I immediately realized that I am not alone. It is an honor that recognizes our shared commitment to development, cooperation and human progress”, said Dr. Samia. This is his eighth degree to be awarded.
He said the degree, which was given to him, is a symbol of long-standing friendship between Tanzania and Russia as a testament to the important role of education in uniting nations.
He said the honor reflects the enduring relationship between Tanzania and Russia which have continued to cooperate in various sectors, especially education, for decades now.
In his speech, which Tanzanian leaders in Russia and Russian universities said was full of great authority, President Samia said that for many years Tanzanians had been receiving education that contributed to the development of Tanzania in various fields, which has also strengthened the relations between the people of both sides.
“Mama has spoken, our country has a lot of merit. Also, the good reputation for getting an invitation from President Vladmir Putin to come here is the recognition of Tanzania is a good sign and the mother’s speech reflected expectations”, said Jefrey who is the Chairman of the Tanzanian Students Association in the Russian Federation (TASCARU).
The Chairman of the Tanzanian Students Association in Russia, Mr. Pascal Gura said the 300 Tanzanians present there felt great pride in meeting and listening to the President, Dr. Samia showing how the Tanzanian Nation continues to grow.
President Dr. Samia in his speech showed how Tanzania can achieve things when they help each other and cooperate for the development of the nation.
He also reminded the youth to get an education while considering the statement of the father of the nation, Mwalimu Julius Nyerere who taught that development must always put the human being at the center of everything.
He wanted the youth to look at their nation and that the documentary shown before the graduation ceremony on the development of Tanzania shows them the commitment of Tanzanians and it is important for them to recognize their importance to the nation while reflecting the words of the father of the nation in their service.
Since the establishment of the college in the 1960s, 1,100 Tanzanians have acquired various specializations through it. This number is among the 5000 students who have acquired their specializations in Russia in various fields including medicine, engineering and science specialists.
President Dr. Samia in his speech also spoke about several agreements signed aimed at bringing about cooperation of its kind in research and education and teaching.
