From Lagos to Saskatchewan: The Cost of Chasing a Dream

Adedoyin Afolabi, known online as Saint Doyin, was born and raised in Lagos, Nigeria. She loves books, fashion, and gaming. Her favourite thing to read is Nigerian literature. “I love supporting Nigerian writers and learning about my own culture from different perspectives,” she says. While Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie was her entry point into Nigerian literature, she now finds herself drawn to authors like Elnathan John and Akwaeke Emezi, whose works resonate more deeply with her personal experiences.

By the time Adedoyin Afolabi moved to Canada, she had already spent years preparing for a life beyond Nigeria. She had always imagined furthering her education abroad, but financial constraints made that dream seem distant. It wasn’t until her younger brother made the move that she realized it was possible.

“I used him as a template,” she says. “I had been working for three years, saving as much as I could. When I saw how straightforward the process was for him, I decided to change course.”

The Decision to Leave

For Doyin, the decision to leave Nigeria wasn’t just about education. As a masculine-presenting queer person, she had faced subtle and overt discrimination in a country where LGBTQ+ rights remain severely restricted.

“I worked in one of Nigeria’s biggest banks, and I was fortunate that my team was filled with progressive Gen Zs. But outside of that, there were always those awkward interactions; the questioning glances and the unsolicited comments about my appearance.”

Then came EndSARS, a movement that shook the country to its core. The violent crackdowns and government indifference were the final push she needed. “I started actively packing my bags. And when the elections happened, that was it. I left.”

Adjusting to Life in Canada

April will mark two years since she arrived in Canada to study Graphics Design. The transition has been anything but easy.

“The education system here is great. You can pick your professors and schedule, which is so different from Nigeria,” she explains. “There are a lot of avenues to succeed. My school even has a Student Success Center where you can get free tutoring.”

But alongside school, there was the reality of working to support herself. “Balancing both is tough. Sometimes, I have just one day a week to myself. There are moments where I wonder if I made the right decision.”

The weight of immigration policies looms over her as well. “You have to constantly be compliant with your visa requirements. Policies can change overnight, and that fear is always there.”

First Impressions of Canada

Doyin had prepared herself for the cultural shift. “I expected racism, to be honest. Canadians have this PR of being nice, but I think they’re just polite. That doesn’t necessarily mean nice.”

While she hasn’t faced outright discrimination, she’s encountered subtle microaggressions. “Like people touching my afro without asking,” she says with a knowing laugh.

And then, there’s the cold. Living in Saskatchewan means experiencing temperatures as low as -40°C. “I was ready for the weather, but nothing can truly prepare you for that kind of cold.”

Still, she keeps a piece of home close—her love for Nigerian food. “I eat it almost every day. The secret? Shop and cook in bulk. Thank God for African stores.”

The Cost of Independence

Leaving Nigeria also meant financial independence in its truest sense. Doyin funded her move entirely on her own.

“I lived in my parents’ house for as long as I could, even though there was external pressure to move out. I wasn’t paying rent, so I saved aggressively. Half of my salary went into savings and investments.”

That discipline carried her through, allowing her to afford tuition fees that reached $8,000 per semester. “Seeing myself through school is one of my proudest achievements.”

A Nigerian Abroad

Despite the challenges, Doyin carries with her an unshakable sense of resilience—one she credits to being Nigerian.

“There’s nothing you can put us through that we don’t come out of. Growing up in Nigeria, you learn to survive anything. When things feel hard, I remind myself: I’ve been through worse. I’ll get through this too.”

Advice for Aspiring Migrants

For those considering studying in Canada, Doyin has one major piece of advice: do your research.

“If someone recommends an agent, ask about their success rate. People lose money to agents who don’t know anything. Also, make sure the school is a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) and that your program is in high demand. Otherwise, you might graduate and realize you can’t work here.”

She urges prospective students to consult the Canadian government website for accredited schools and sought-after professions. “I wish someone had told me that earlier.”

On Sending Money Home

As a Nigerian in the diaspora, there’s always the expectation of sending money home. Doyin, however, keeps her priorities clear.

“The only people I send money to are my immediate family members. Period. Money is hard to make everywhere—not just in Nigeria. My parents are always grateful when I send them money, and they don’t feel entitled to it.”

Looking Ahead

Doyin’s journey is far from over. She continues to navigate life in Canada, balancing school, work, and the ever-evolving realities of being an immigrant. But through it all, she holds onto the resilience that has carried her this far.

“This isn’t easy,” she admits. “But I remind myself why I’m here. And that keeps me going.”

Bio: 

Adedoyin is a multidisciplinary designer and creative storyteller with over five years of experience in graphic design, branding, and visual communication. With a passion for crafting impactful narratives, Adedoyin has worked across diverse industries, creating compelling human centred designs that engage and inspire audiences.  

Beyond design, Adedoyin is deeply invested in accessibility and storytelling as a tool for empowerment. Through past work, including leading design for major campaigns and facilitating workshops on design as storytelling, he has championed inclusivity and creative expression.  

As a Black queer creative, Adedoyin is committed to amplifying underrepresented voices and fostering spaces where stories can be shared authentically.