Young, ambitious Chadian  have chosen to pursue higher education in Burkina Faso. Upon returning to Chad, these former students share the rich and varied experiences they have gained through academic learning, cultural discovery and personal engagement. Their stories reflect the reality of educational migration: a journey full of hope, challenges, and a renewed vision of Africa. They reveal a shared experience of encountering a different environment that shapes their skills, identity and perspective on migration. Beyond academia, it is a human and cultural adventure that leaves a lasting impression and Burkina Faso emerges as a welcoming land of learning and hope for Africa’s future. Dialogue Migration spoke to three of them.

Thierno Madjiam Ka-Mbaipa, Civil Engineer: “A land of hospitality and serenity”

I came to Ouagadougou in 2016 to pursue a Master’s degree in Civil Engineering, having already earned my diploma in Building and Public Works Engineering.

After a year of studies, I had successfully integrated into professional life and extended my stay until January 2021.

Burkina Faso is truly a land of hospitality. The city where I lived, Ouagadougou, was safe and tranquil, and one could be active at any time of day or night without fear of aggression.

Given the country’s current situation and its efforts to combat terrorism, we are confident that Burkina Faso will experience real growth and soon become a crossroads for Africa.

Entrepreneur and information systems expert Roland Ngaryadji Madjirebaye talks about his journey of “cultural and professional enrichment”

My time in Burkina Faso was one of the richest and most formative experiences of my life. I arrived in Ouagadougou in February 2020 and pursued my studies until I earned my Master’s degree in Information Systems Management. During this time, I fully immersed myself in the local culture, spirituality, and way of life.

I actively participated in numerous cultural and religious festivals during these five years, which allowed me to discover the richness and diversity of Burkina Faso’s heritage. These major events included:

-The Pan-African Film and Television Festival of Ouagadougou (FESPACO), a showcase of African cinema;

-The Ouagadougou International Handicrafts Fair (SIAO) showcases the best of African craftsmanship;

-The Ouagadougou International Theatre and Puppetry Festival (FITMO);

-Les Récréâtrales is a major theatre and creative performance festival held in family courtyards.

-The International Festival of Masks and Arts (FESTIMA) in Dédougou celebrates the masked traditions of West Africa.

-The National Week of Culture (SNC) is a key moment for Burkinabè cultural expression.

-The Nuits Atypiques de Koudougou (NAK) festival showcases musical, dance, and performing arts.

These moments strengthened my sense of belonging to a diverse yet united Africa.

With time, I see my migration as a strategic and beneficial step in my journey. It was not an escape, but an act of faith and hope for a better future. I discovered a different Africa, a place of humanity, discipline and creativity.

In light of today’s security, economic and social challenges, it is important to view migration as a deliberate endeavour focused on acquiring skills and experiences and having a positive impact. I advocate responsible migration, based on learning, sharing and using the experience gained to benefit our nations.

In February 2021, one year after my arrival, I joined Supernet Technologie Holding as an information systems professional. I worked there until December 2022, when I became a freelancer to enable me to diversify my projects and expand my skill base.

In December 2024, I realised my dream of launching my own company, thanks to the knowledge and confidence I had gained in Burkina Faso.

I then handed over management of the company to my wife so that I could return to Chad that same year and contribute to local development.

Living and studying in Burkina Faso had a profound impact on my journey. I made cherished memories, forged true friendships and gained invaluable cultural, intellectual and spiritual knowledge. I am proud to have received training in the heart of West Africa, and to embody the values of unity, hard work, dignity and fraternity that this country has instilled in me.

Gracia Djeguedem, International Relations Specialist: “An opening to the world and to oneself”

My name is Gracia Djeguedem Pitimbaye and I am an International Relations Specialist. I was fortunate enough to study for my degree in International Relations at the Université Libre du Burkina Faso. I spent three years in Burkina Faso, where I completed my degree. This period was extremely enriching, both academically and personally, as well as culturally.

During my time there, I became part of a dynamic, diverse and open university community. Living in Ouagadougou enabled me to forge connections with students from various regions, deepen my appreciation of Burkinabè culture and develop my ability to overcome new challenges.

Highlights included cultural evenings, exhibitions and inter-university activities that showcased the richness of African cultures. I also learnt Mooré, one of Burkina Faso’s most widely spoken national languages, and gained valuable insights through interactions with local neighbourhood communities.

The challenges related to climate, food and occasional instability strengthened my resilience.

Looking back on my experience of migration in light of current events, I now see it primarily as an opportunity to acquire new skills. I now realise how formative this experience has been, teaching me patience, tolerance, adaptability and knowledge.

Current debates on migration in Sub-Saharan Africa highlight the importance of mobility for knowledge sharing, while also revealing related security and employment challenges.

Despite these difficulties, student migration remains beneficial, enabling individuals to broaden their horizons, hone their critical thinking skills and contribute to the development of their home country upon returning.

My time in Burkina Faso provided me with multidisciplinary expertise in international relations, as well as a deeper understanding of regional issues such as African integration, diplomacy, peace and security.

Thanks to the network of contacts I established there, including professors, former students and professionals, I was able to create more internship and employment opportunities upon my return.

My knowledge of West African socio-political contexts is now a valuable asset in the fields of international cooperation and NGOs.

I have learned to embrace diversity and adapt to new environments. This sometimes solitary experience has strengthened my self-confidence and ability to overcome obstacles.

Studying in Burkina Faso remains one of the greatest treasures of my life, both personally and professionally. It made me reflect on migration not just as a geographical movement, but also as a profound opening up to the world and to oneself.