Almost four decades ago, Dr. Femi Ayeni and his wife, Titi, made a major decision: they moved their five children from tropical Nigeria to chilly Canada.
They didn’t just move anywhere in Canada, but to Kapuskasing, a timber town in northern Ontario with fewer than 10,000 residents, where temperatures average minus 16°C in January.
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Femi had studied in Canada and saw it as a land of opportunity and a place where his children could pursue their dreams.
Sacrifice and Vision: The Ayeni Parents’ Dedication
“It speaks to how much of visionaries my parents are,” said Dr. Buki Ayeni, a plastic surgeon at Humber River Health in Toronto.
Buki reflected on how his father understood that the transition to Canada would be challenging but made the decision because he knew it would benefit his children.
By leaving behind the professional career he had built in Nigeria, Femi put his family’s future first, resulting in the remarkable outcome of four of the Ayeni children becoming doctors and one becoming an educator.
The Role of Education in the Ayeni Family’s Success
The Ayeni children credit much of their success to their parents’ unwavering belief in the power of education.
“Growing up watching my parents make the most of their life’s possibilities was a source of inspiration for us all,” said Buki.
Their mother, Titi, emphasized the importance of doing their best and choosing a career they loved.
As a teacher for 15 years in both Montreal and Nigeria, Titi instilled a strong educational foundation in her children, guiding them to believe that they should “be the best” at whatever they choose.
Femi Ayeni’s Medical School and Return to Nigeria
After completing his medical studies in Canada, Femi returned to Nigeria as a general surgeon and later opened a medical school.
Femi said, “In that era, most people, when they finished their training, wanted to go back to help in their country.”
Despite the difficulties of opening a medical school in Nigeria, Femi persisted, working with others to lay the groundwork for a future of education and community development.
“It’s an example of always leaving more than what you come in with,” said Buki, reflecting on the lessons his parents instilled in him.
The Impact of Mentorship and Giving Back
Even in retirement, Femi continues to contribute to the medical school through philanthropic work. He has also mentored individuals aspiring to move to Canada and pursue careers in medicine.
His eldest daughter, Bunmi Obateru, is also a mentor. She is the principal investigator for a research grant on immigrant Black entrepreneurs in Alberta, following in her mother’s footsteps as an educator.
Bunmi works as a research scholar at Bow Valley College in Calgary, proving that the family’s commitment to education and mentorship continues.
The Ayeni Children’s Career Paths and Achievements
The Ayeni children followed in their father’s footsteps, becoming doctors in various fields and one becoming an educator.Dr. Bimpe Ayeni, a plastic surgeon, credits her parents for giving her the freedom to follow her passion.
After studying at Yale and Columbia, she returned to Canada for medical school, choosing plastic surgery because of its combination of variety and hands-on work in the operating room.
Working alongside her father at Kapuskasing Hospital as a medical student was a “life-changing” experience.
Dr. Olufemi Ayeni, an orthopedic surgeon, now works at McMaster University as the Academic Division Head of Orthopaedic Surgery.
He attributes much of his passion for medicine to the example set by his parents. Omodele Ayeni, also a plastic surgeon, says he was inspired by his father’s ability to provide for his family and serve the community.
Strong Family Bonds: Support and Encouragement
Despite being in similar professional fields, the Ayeni siblings have a strong bond of mutual love and support. Buki says, “It takes a village,” highlighting the importance of lifting each other up.
Olufemi describes the sibling bond as “inseparable and always connected,” noting how they share challenges, successes, and perspectives in a safe space.
Their deep connection extends to their children, with the next generation of Ayeni grandchildren showing a similar closeness.
The Next Generation: Passing on the Legacy
There are now 14 Ayeni grandchildren, and Femi and Titi continue to be active figures in their lives, passing down the lessons and values they’ve lived by.
“They have the good fortune of having their grandparents who can share stories and lessons that worked for us,” said Buki.
The grandchildren benefit from their grandparents’ wisdom, and the Ayeni family takes pride in knowing that the next generation continues the legacy of love, support, and hard work.
Beautiful Journey: Reflections of Femi and Titi
Femi and Titi Ayeni reflect with pride on the journey they have taken as parents. Titi says it has been a “beautiful journey” watching her children grow and succeed.
Femi is equally proud of how his children have embraced the career he loved. “I worked with enthusiasm.
I think the uniqueness of the way I worked encouraged all of the kids that have gone to medical school,” he says.
Watching his children find love in the career he once had has been a “fantastic” experience for him.
Published by National Post
