At 73, Ignace N’Vêkounou became the newest doctoral graduate in naturopathy after a career that began as a mathematics teacher and evolved into a practitioner of natural health therapies. He defended his thesis on June 15, 2026, at the International University of Fundamental Studies in Vilnius, Lithuania, focusing on “Physical and mental well‑being through massage therapy and colon hydrotherapy in naturopathy.”
The achievement was formally recognised at a graduation ceremony held on Saturday, October 10, 2026, at the Idriss Déby Itno Amphitheatre of the University of Abomey‑Calavi in Benin. More than 1,500 attendees – students, colleagues, family and friends – witnessed the event, where N’Vêkounou was robed, took the Hippocratic Oath and delivered a speech reflecting on his journey from obesity and hypertension to a life of wellness advocacy.
His path to the doctorate began with a personal health crisis at 38, when he weighed 118 kilograms and struggled with obesity. After discovering Hatha Yoga, he lost 33 kilograms in two years, a transformation that led him to learn massage and colon hydrotherapy from French‑trained Dr Lucien Coffy. He then founded the Club for Well‑Being and Good Shape in Pahou, Benin, and later trained in Zen Shiatsu under Francisco Thierry de Souza, opening Yo.Stre.Ga, a centre for yoga, stretching, gymnastics and nutrition.
Academic milestones followed: a world scientific congress in Geneva in 2016 sparked his research interest, and he earned master’s degrees in 2021 and 2023 before completing his doctorate in 2026. Professor Corneille Dagba, Vice‑Dean of the Faculty of Integrative Medicine, praised his determination, while Vice‑Rector Professor Olivier Pons highlighted his passion for both research and service.
During the ceremony, N’Vêkounou thanked Pons, Coffy, Dagba and his partner, Agossi Marcelline Blassou, for their support. He also delivered a presentation on TECH products for nervous exhaustion, pain and insomnia, demonstrating practical applications of natural health approaches.
“When you stop learning, you start aging,” N’Vêkounou said, underscoring his belief that education should remain open to all, regardless of age or background. His doctorate stands as a testament to lifelong learning and the impact of perseverance in advancing community well‑being.
