“Second time's the charm”: Ebenezer's Journey from Togo to France
27 May 2025
"It was my second time applying," Ebenezer Nayituriki admits when asked about his selection for the prestigious UNIV'R* project. Out of 670 candidates, he emerged as one of the winners—but the path wasn't straightforward.
The first time, he made it to the interview stage but wasn't selected. Rather than giving up, Ebenezer took this as motivation to come back stronger. "This time, I knew I had to give it my all. I focused on showing my determination, the strength of my project, and my willingness to learn."
His journey began in a town in Togo's interior, where he completed high school before moving to Lomé for his bachelor's degree in Communication and Marketing. A failed business partnership became the catalyst for seeking further education. "There were things I didn't know that made it hard to have a fair and open partnership," he reflects. "That experience made me want to learn more."
The application process itself proved challenging. "The biggest challenge was getting my transcripts so I could get a pre-approval letter for my visa application. It was a real struggle, with slow administration and delays. But I didn't give up and finally got all the necessary documents."
Now at the University of Clermont-Ferrand pursuing a Master's in Entrepreneurship, Ebenezer is developing AdAfrik.ai—a platform using artificial intelligence to help African entrepreneurs create impactful visuals and ad content. The program's student-entrepreneur track allows him to work on his project during internship periods and apply for funding.
“What surprised you the most during this experience?
How approachable the teachers are, the quality of human interaction, and how many great opportunities are out there for those who go after them.”
The transition to France brought its own hurdles. "The paperwork! Some of my documents were rejected by the administration, which made it hard to qualify for housing aid or health insurance. But with patience and help, I managed to get everything sorted."
Despite these challenges, Ebenezer has built a fulfilling life in Clermont-Ferrand. He participates in university events and student associations, enjoys walks in nature, and maintains a balance between academic work and personal time. "I feel supported both academically and personally," he says of the university environment.
“I take part in university events and student association activities. That helped me meet people, make friends, and feel less alone. Social media and group chats were also very helpful.”
Looking ahead to his 2026 graduation, Ebenezer's ambitions extend beyond personal success. He plans to grow AdAfrik.ai into a sustainable business while sharing knowledge with young African entrepreneurs through workshops and incubator programs. A PhD in innovation and entrepreneurship is also in his sights.
His message to other international students is drawn from experience: "Believe in your project and don't give up after the first try. Even failure can help if you learn from it. Be clear, prepared, and give your best."
“What types of support systems do you think are most important for international students to succeed?
Personalized support, access to services like housing and healthcare, and having a strong network of people—students, mentors, friends. That really makes a difference.”
When asked what he's most proud of, his answer is telling: "I'm proud that I never gave up, even after not getting selected the first time for UNIV'R. I came back stronger, improved my application, and believed in myself. That led me to this amazing opportunity."
For Ebenezer, the key to success lies in a simple truth: "Never underestimate the power of persistence. Things won't always be easy, but every step brings you closer to your goals."
*The UNIV’R program in France, also called Couloir universitaire pour les réfugiés vers la France, is a dedicated initiative to enable refugees living in their first country of asylum to pursue a two-year Master’s degree in mainland France. It is a partnership between the French office of the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), the Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie (AUF), and a network of French universities, with backing from French ministries and civil society organizations.