From Nigeria to Canada: Interview with Afisu Oladega

By Rachel Boutet

With the winter break approaching, many students in the Faculty’s International Dentist Advanced Placement Program (IDAPP) are getting ready to head home for the holidays. For Afisu Oladega, former IDAPP and current DDS3 student, he now calls Canada home.

Oladega is from Nigeria and obtained his undergraduate degree from the University of Lagos. After coming to Canada in 2017 for an observership, he fell in love with the country. He migrated to Canada with his family in 2019 and was accepted to IDAPP at the Faculty in 2021.

Although originally studying engineering, Oladega knew his passion lay in communicating with people and being able to help those in need. With an interest in biology, he decided to pursue dentistry. 

“I chose the University of Toronto for two reasons,” says Oladega. “I love the city – its culture, diversity and how welcoming it is to new immigrants. And I chose U of T because it’s one of the top universities in the world.”

The experience thus far at the Faculty has been “above my expectations”, according to Oladega. 

“I enjoy the Faculty because of the professors and instructors who are always willing to help whenever you need assistance,” he says. “They give you the confidence that you are not alone and you can seek help whenever you need it. It’s one of the many factors that is quite impressive about U of T.”

Although dentistry is different in many ways from what he was used to in Nigeria, Oladega draws a lot of similarities when it comes to dentistry in different countries.

“Dentistry worldwide is basically the same, but when it comes to the patients you’re dealing with, there is a big difference in culture and diversification,” he says. “Patients have different expectations in different countries. You have to understand how to work with them, communicate with them, and of course, use the different technology that’s available.”

Oladega has learned a lot at the Faculty and is excited to continuing furthering his education. But for now, he’s looking forward to a break. He notes that although the weather in Nigeria was much warmer, no matter where he is, the holidays are always about family.

“Since the start of IDAPP, we have only had small breaks, so I’m really looking forward to enjoying some time off with my family,” he says. “The only downside of Canada is the cold – but after two winters, I’m slowly getting used to it.”

Photo: Afisu Oladega