Family honours late Obafemi Ayantuga with endowment fund for alma mater

The Ayantuga family in a tribute to the memory of their beloved son and brother, Obafemi Ayantuga, has launched a scholarship fund aimed at supporting exceptional students at King’s College, Lagos.

In statement by Bola Atta, his sister, the initiative is part of a heartfelt effort to immortalise Ayantuga’s remarkable legacy in education, healthcare, and scholarship.

“Ayantuga, a distinguished scholar and medical professional, left an indelible mark on both the academic and medical communities. Known for his pursuit of excellence, his academic background spanned multiple fields, including a B.Sc., D.Phil., MBBChir, SFHM, FACP, and MPH A man of integrity and intelligence, Dr. Femi Ayantuga dedicated his life to advancing healthcare and education, constantly striving to improve the lives of those around him.”

“Obafemi Ayantuga was not just a scholar; he was a mentor, a guide, and an inspiration to many. His pursuit of excellence will continue to inspire generations of students who follow in his footsteps,” Atta said.

The scholarship event at King’s College was attended by students, faculty, distinguished King’s College Old Boys and dignitaries from the educational and healthcare sectors. The Ayantuga family plan to award cash prizes and scholarships to students who demonstrated exceptional academic performance, leadership, and a commitment to service—values that Ayantuga exemplified throughout his life.

“Ayantuga’s academic journey was nothing short of extraordinary. Born on February 2, 1966, into the family of Dr. Obafemi O. Ayantuga and Mrs. Ajoke Ayantuga, Femi, as he was fondly known, was a brilliant student from a young age. His early fascination with science led his mother to buy him a chemistry lab where he would experiment for hours. A student at King’s College from 1977 to 1981, Femi stood out, finishing first in his class every year, graduating with distinctions.”

“His academic brilliance took him to the United Kingdom, where he excelled in his ‘A’ levels and later earned a degree in Biochemistry from the University of London with distinction. From there, he proceeded to Oxford University, earning a Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry in an astonishing two and a half years. His groundbreaking research led to the development of a molecular cell, for which he was awarded the Bishop Frazier Prize for Excellence in Research.

‘Femi’s thirst for knowledge didn’t stop there. At 23, he enrolled at Cambridge University, where he earned an MBBChir and was honoured with the John and Margaret Henderson Memorial Prize in Medicine upon graduation. He continued his medical career in the United States, training at the University of Minnesota Medical School before becoming a member of esteemed medical organizations, including the American College of Physicians and the Society of Hospital Medicine.

“Throughout his career, Ayantuga never stopped learning. He earned a Master’s Degree in Public Health (MPH) and, in 2014, was named one of only 47 Senior Fellows in Hospital Medicine (SFHM) in the U.S. At the time of his passing, he was serving as the Medical Director of Hospitalist Services at Fairview Medical Group, the largest hospital group in Minnesota.

The scholarship initiative at King’s College is a fitting tribute to Ayantuga’s dedication to education and excellence. By supporting students with the same commitment to learning that Ayantuga displayed throughout his life, and the Ayantuga family ensures that his legacy of brilliance, service, and generosity will live on for generations to come.