Witness to the Event – Héribert‑Label Élisée Adjovi
H. Jackson Brown once said: “You don’t feel old as long as you think about your dreams rather than your regrets.” This is exactly the example set by Ignace N’Vêkounou who, at 73, became one of the first doctors of naturopathy on the African continent. On Monday, June 15, 2026, he defended his thesis at the International University of Fundamental Studies in Vilnius, Lithuania, on the theme: “Physical and mental well‑being through massage therapy and colon hydrotherapy in naturopathy.”
To crown the atypical journey of this retired mathematics teacher—who left the classroom 20 years ago and is now a university doctor—an official graduation ceremony was held on Saturday, October 10, 2026, at the Idriss Déby Itno amphitheater of the University of Abomey‑Calavi in Benin. On this joyful occasion, Professor Corneille Dagba, Vice‑Dean of the Faculty of Integrative Medicine at the Vilnius University of Fundamental Studies, opened the speeches.
He was the architect of the day’s celebration, having introduced the candidate to Professor Olivier Pons, his thesis supervisor. In front of more than 1,500 attendees—students, colleagues, families, and friends—Dagba used an allegorical story: “The International University of Fundamental Studies in Vilnius was searching for a key to open the door of knowledge, without distinction of social rank or age.” For him, Ignace N’Vêkounou is that key, proving that one can dream big academically at any age, from anywhere, and with modest means.
Professor Olivier Pons, Vice‑Rector of the Vilnius University of Fundamental Studies and thesis supervisor, described the journey as one of the most unusual stories he had witnessed. He recalled: “When Professor Dagba told me of Mr. N’Vêkounou’s intention to prepare a thesis, I asked to see his CV. It was long and impressive. I realized I was facing someone who had already taken many steps in research. I accepted to supervise his thesis, telling myself we would take the final step together.” Over time, their relationship evolved from teacher‑student to friendship, and Pons admired the passion and altruism N’Vêkounou brought both to his patients and to his academic work. “Africa in general, and Benin in particular, can be proud of Dr. Ignace N’Vêkounou, a model of resilience and intellectual integrity.”
Following protocol, N’Vêkounou donned the doctoral gown, took the Hippocratic Oath, and delivered his speech.
He recalled his personal journey: “At 38, I was obese, weighing 118 kg. After unsuccessful attempts to fight obesity and hypertension, I discovered Hatha Yoga. Within two years, I had dropped to 85 kg. This drew the attention of friends and family, and I was taken under the wing of Dr. Lucien Coffy in France, who trained me in massage therapy and colon hydrotherapy.” With this certification, he began helping others, eventually founding the NGO “Club for Well‑Being and Good Shape” in Pahou. Later, he trained in Zen Shiatsu therapy under Francisco Thierry de Souza, leading to the creation of his center Yo.Stre.Ga (Yoga, Stretching, Gymnastics, Nutrition).
In 2016, he was invited to a world scientific congress in Geneva, Switzerland, which inspired him to pursue further studies: Master’s degrees in 2021 and 2023, and finally his doctorate in 2026. He emphasized that his academic journey was driven by compassion for those suffering and by the belief that “when you stop learning, you start aging.” He expressed gratitude to Professor Pons for his rigor and generosity, to Dr. Coffy for his altruism, to Professor Dagba for his support, and to his partner Agossi Marcelline Blassou for her invaluable assistance. Dr. Lucien Coffy—a biotherapist and founder of the Centre de Psychosomatique Naturelle—has witnessed this journey firsthand and heaped praise upon his "twin brother," who in his view truly deserves this moment of recognition because "he is in tune with the times," and exciting prospects lie ahead for him.
Following the speeches, the cocktail reception, and a brief break featuring folk performances—much like the other segments of the ceremony—came the presentation of TECH products. These are revolutionary, natural products designed to combat nervous exhaustion, pain, insomnia, and more. The presentation included practical demonstrations involving patients from the audience.
Ultimately, everyone left the official ceremony awarding Ignace N'Vêkounou his doctorate in Naturopathy with the realization that it is never too late to pursue one's dreams, and that we already possess—both within ourselves and in our surroundings—everything needed for our well-being.