By: Precious Miracle Kargbo Snr
Sierra Leone has achieved a significant milestone in higher education, with 25 students graduating from various Russian universities in 2026, including 10 newly qualified medical doctors from the People’s Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University).
Among the medical graduates, Dr. Alfred Osman Kamara and Dr. Hawanatu B. Marrah graduated with distinction, earning the prestigious Red Diploma, one of Russia’s highest academic honours awarded to outstanding students.
The graduation ceremony, held at Korovy Val in Moscow, attracted a distinguished audience comprising members of the diplomatic corps, university leaders, academic and scientific staff, parents, and invited guests. The event also marked the largest cohort of Sierra Leonean medical graduates from RUDN University since the country’s students began studying at the institution.
Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to the Russian Federation, Ambassador Mohamed Yongawo, led the country’s delegation and joined the leadership of the Sierra Leone Students’ Union in presenting certificates and congratulating the graduates on their academic achievements.
Delivering the valedictory address on behalf of the Class of 2026, Dr. Alfred Osman Kamara, who emerged as the best graduating medical student with honours, reflected on the journey that led to the historic achievement.
Addressing Ambassador Yongawo, university management, faculty members, fellow graduates, and parents, Dr. Kamara spoke about his experience as former President of the National Union of Sierra Leone Students in Russia, noting that his tenure focused on promoting student welfare and strengthening academic cooperation between Sierra Leone and the Russian Federation.
He expressed profound appreciation to President Julius Maada Bio for prioritising human capital development through investments in education and scholarship opportunities. He also commended the Ministry of Higher and Technical Education, under the leadership of Dr. Ramatulai Wurrie, for its continued support to Sierra Leonean students studying abroad.
Dr. Kamara further acknowledged the Government of the Russian Federation and President Vladimir Putin for providing scholarship opportunities to international students.
“The scholarship programme has opened doors for countless young minds and turned distant dreams into reality,” he said.
He paid special tribute to Ambassador Mohamed Yongawo, explaining that the graduation of the 10 medical doctors was made possible through a diplomatic engagement initiated in 2021, which secured a dedicated quota for Sierra Leonean students to study General Medicine at RUDN University.
Addressing RUDN Rector Oleg Alexandrovich and Director Alexey Yuryevich, Dr. Kamara described the university as “a home of limitless opportunity, academic rigour, innovation, and true international friendship,” adding that the strong bilateral relationship between Sierra Leone and Russia had created valuable educational opportunities for Sierra Leonean students.
He also recognized the contributions of several distinguished lecturers and mentors, including Professor Viktor Evseevich Radzinsky, Professor Irina Alekseevna Zhirova, Professor Martynov Alexey Yuryevich, and Elena Valeryevna Kaverina, for their guidance, mentorship, and support throughout his medical education and research.
“Studying in medical school is by no means an easy process, but thanks to your guidance, every apparent difficulty became a surmountable challenge,” he remarked.
Beyond the medical graduates from RUDN University, Sierra Leonean students also completed undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral programmes in various disciplines at other universities across Russia, highlighting the country’s growing investment in higher education and international academic partnerships.
In his closing remarks, Dr. Kamara urged his fellow graduates to embrace the responsibilities that come with their professional qualifications.
“We have travelled along a long and challenging road, one of which each of us should be proud. Today, we officially become medical doctors, and this title carries enormous responsibility. Let us serve with humility, professionalism, and compassion wherever our careers take us,” he said.
The graduation of the 25 Sierra Leonean students particularly the record 10 new medical doctors from RUDN University represents a significant achievement for the nation and reflects the growing success of educational cooperation between Sierra Leone and the Russian Federation. It also reinforces the country’s commitment to developing skilled professionals who will contribute to national development and the strengthening of the healthcare sector.