At 16, Arnold Faranpojo had already completed his secondary education and recorded strong results in major examinations. But instead of immediately proceeding to university, the young Nigerian spent 11 months in Germany under the Rotary Youth Exchange Programme, an experience that significantly shaped his confidence, independence and outlook on the world.

Faranpojo, who was born in Lagos on July 28, 2009, participated in the programme through Rotary International District 9111 during the tenure of then District Governor Henry Akinyele.

He completed his secondary education at Nigerian Navy Secondary School, Abeokuta, graduating in 2025 with both WAEC and NECO certificates. That same year, he scored 319 in the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board examination.

His selection for the international exchange programme presented both excitement and apprehension for his family, as it meant he would spend almost a year away from home.

While his parents welcomed the opportunity, they also had concerns about sending their son abroad at such a young age. His two brothers similarly had to adjust to the prospect of having the middle child away from home for an extended period.

For Arnold, however, the opportunity represented the chance to experience a new country, culture and way of life.

He subsequently travelled to Germany, where he lived and studied in Wuppertal and attended Wilhelm Dörpfeld Gymnasium.

The transition was initially challenging, as he had to adjust to differences in language, education, food, culture and everyday life.

Over time, he became increasingly comfortable in his new environment, improved his German and developed the ability to handle many aspects of daily life independently.

Beyond his studies, the exchange programme allowed him to interact with people from different cultural backgrounds, participate in Rotary activities and build friendships with both Germans and young people from other countries.

He also travelled to several German cities, including Düsseldorf, Cologne, Dortmund, Hamburg, Berlin and Munich, as well as Paris in France.

According to Arnold, the experience went beyond tourism and academic exposure, helping him become more confident, adaptable and open-minded.

He said learning German also became an avenue for understanding the importance of communication, tolerance and cultural diversity.

The experience of living away from his family further required him to take greater responsibility for himself and step outside his comfort zone.

By the end of the exchange, Arnold said Germany had evolved from an unfamiliar environment into a place whose culture and people he had come to appreciate.

Rotary Experience Continues at Home

Shortly after returning to Nigeria, Arnold had another significant Rotary experience when he attended a special reception in Lagos in honour of Rotary International President Olayinka Hakeem Babalola on August 18, 2026.

The event was jointly organised by Rotary International Districts 9111 and 912, under District Governors Bukola Bakare and Layi Abidoye, respectively, and brought together Rotarians and other guests to celebrate Babalola’s leadership of the international service organisation.

Arnold attended the event alongside his parents, Rev. Alexander Faranpojo and Pastor Mrs Funmilola Faranpojo.

Babalola commended the young exchange participant and highlighted the global reach of the Rotary Youth Exchange Programme, through which thousands of young people receive opportunities to live, study and experience life in other countries every year.

For Arnold, meeting the international Rotary president after completing his own exchange programme provided a meaningful continuation of his relationship with the organisation that facilitated his experience abroad.

Babalola’s position also held particular significance for the young Nigerian, having become the second Nigerian and second African to serve as president of Rotary International.

Plans for University in Germany

Following his exchange year, Arnold is preparing for the next phase of his education and intends to study Business Informatics, known in Germany as Wirtschaftsinformatik.

He plans to continue improving his German language skills as he prepares for university.

His long-term interests extend beyond business and technology, with the young entrepreneur also hoping to explore fashion and eventually combine the three areas in ways that can make a positive contribution to society.

Arnold believes the lessons from his Rotary exchange will continue to influence his education, career and personal development.

Looking back on his time in Germany, he identified confidence, independence, adaptability and cultural awareness as some of the most important gains from the experience.

He said the exchange also taught him to approach unfamiliar situations with less fear and greater openness.

Reflecting on the journey, Arnold expressed gratitude to his family and Rotary for providing an opportunity he considers transformative.

“Everything was by the grace of God! I also thank Rotary for the life-changing opportunity,” he said.