More than 20 years there has been a tradition in RUDN University to award eminent political figures and scientists with RUDN University Doctor Honoris Causa title.

In 2016 this title is awarded to Alpha Conde, President of the Republic of Guinea, Sorbonne Alumnus.

He made a significant contribution to Guinea development; he also occupied high posts in international trade and investment companies. He was advisor to many heads of states in the region and helped settle political conflicts. However his main goal is economic and political development of Guinea. “Africa deserves to be literate and educated”, Alpha Conde noted talking to RUDN University students and staff. He is really concerned about Africa’s future: “We actually have resources and if we master technologies, we will become a world factory able to process natural resources and send them to Europe. This will ensure our country’s future.“ Alpha Conde has done a lot for the country to move forward. In 1992, thanks to Alpha Conde a multiparty system was declared in Guinea, he became the head of the largest oppositional political party (Guinean People Unity), officially recognized by the then President Lansana Conde. Moreover, 16 years later when military junta came to power, Alpha Conde started to fight for fair and transparent elections. He was a success and December 21, 2010, he became the President of Guinea.

Nowadays he still has a lot of tasks. As to develop technologies there should be young specialists. Talking in RUDN Alpha Conde noted the invaluable contribution of the USSR to the fight for independence of African countries. He also stressed that RUDN “is a symbol of friendship between the USSR and African countries”, and that “RUDN formed several generation of African people”. Addressing African students, Mister Conde encouraged them to study and not to miss chances, use all their opportunities and to remain patriots. “You have to be role models for our young people. And the most important thing is to come back home after studies. Lots of people prefer to stay in developed countries after graduation, but Africa suffered for you to be able to study here. Be patriots even after you graduate.”