Mojoyinoluwa and Mojolajesu Tiamiyu, two brilliant students at McPherson University, Seriki Sotayo are a set of identical twins who have spent their lives blending shared experiences with distinct personal identities. Born in Lagos, Nigeria, they have a rich cultural heritage and a close-knit family dynamic. With an older sister who once worked as a banker before pursuing a Master degree, the twins have always been surrounded by role models who emphasize the value of education and hard work. Though they share a deep familial bond, Taiwo and Kehinde have developed their own paths, both academically and personally, making their story one of fascinating duality.
Growing up in a home where education was highly valued, Taiwo and Kehinde’s childhood experiences shaped their future ambitions. They initially considered careers in banking and finance, influenced by the success of their sister. However, as they advanced in their studies, both twins began to branch out and pursue other interests, though banking remains an area of interest for them. The twins often joke about how people mistakenly address them, a frequent occurrence given how closely they resemble each other. Taiwo laughs, saying, “People always mix us up. Sometimes I get called Kehinde, and he gets called Taiwo—it’s just part of the fun.”
Despite being twins, Taiwo and Kehinde couldn’t be more different in terms of personality. Taiwo is the outgoing, extroverted twin who thrives in social situations, whereas Kehinde is more introverted, calm, and reflective. Kehinde describes himself as being cautious in handling situations, while Taiwo’s more spontaneous approach often leads them to balancing each other out. Even in their tastes, their differences emerge: Taiwo enjoys pineapple, but Kehinde finds it unappealing. Their preferences, from food to personality traits, highlight the individuality they’ve nurtured despite being part of a pair.
Their school years were marked by the occasional confusion over their identities, especially during their secondary school days. One memorable incident involved Kehinde being mistakenly punished for something Taiwo had done. To avoid making a scene, Kehinde quietly accepted the punishment, a gesture that reflects their deep understanding of one another. Growing up in Lagos, they attended Kingsfield College and Lighthouse Primary Schools, where they faced similar challenges, such as being treated as one entity by teachers and peers. However, despite these frequent mix-ups, the twins have always chosen to embrace their individuality, often opting for different clothing and styles, rather than dressing alike.
At McPherson University, Taiwo and Kehinde continue to celebrate their individuality while maintaining a strong bond as siblings. Though they are often seen together on campus, they have developed their own routines and habits. While they share similar academic interests, they have also explored different fields and extracurricular activities. Both twin emphasize their independence, pointing out that they make their own decisions, from fashion choices to academic paths. Kehinde, the more reserved twin, finds comfort in the presence of male twins, while Taiwo is open to interacting with all kinds of twins, regardless of gender. They also acknowledge the rarity of seeing other sets of twins at university, with Kehinde noting that only four sets have stood out to them on campus. “We rarely see other twins around here,” Kehinde shares. “It’s interesting when we do, because it feels like we have this special connection.”
The Tiamiyu twins also discussed their views on relationships and marriage. Taiwo, the more vocal of the two, expressed openness to marrying someone who is also a twin, seeing the idea as an interesting challenge. On the other hand, Kehinde is less inclined to date or marry another twin, citing the potential complexity of being in a relationship with someone who shares so many similarities with you. Their differing views on this matter highlight the distinct personalities that have evolved over time, even within the same familial context. Despite occasional disagreements, the twin have a harmonious relationship, characterized by quick reconciliations after minor quarrels. This ability to resolve conflicts swiftly is one of the strengths of their bond.
When it comes to handling responsibilities, both Taiwo and Kehinde have learned to manage their shared tasks efficiently. They work together on school projects, share resources, and support each other in their individual endeavors. However, they are also careful to maintain their independence. Kehinde enjoys exploring different areas of study and career interests on his own, while Taiwo has an interest in leadership roles and community involvement. Both twin understand the importance of their personal growth and development, despite the strong familial connection they share.
On campus, the twins are often recognized as a pair, but they have noticed that their twin status is not always immediately obvious to others. They explained that people sometimes confuse them for one another, especially when they are not wearing matching outfits. Taiwo and Kehinde emphasize that they don’t feel pressured to dress identically, and they prefer expressing themselves through their own unique styles. While some sets of twins might feel compelled to dress alike, the Tiamiyu twin see fashion as a means of expressing their individuality, not just their shared identity. This sense of personal expression is an important part of how they navigate university life.
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor of McPherson University, Professor Olatunji Okesola upon meeting the pair, expressed his excitement to receive them as he himself is the Kehinde of a twin pair. He further admonished them to further stand out in the university community by being first class students. At the end of the conversation Professor Okesola extended an invitation for them to witness the annual Twin Festival that takes place in Igboora, promising to host them to the festivities.
Looking forward, Taiwo and Kehinde are focused on their academic and professional goals; while continuing to appreciate the unique bond they share as twins. They recognize the rarity of their experiences and are grateful for their close relationship, but also respect their differences. As they move through life at McPherson University and beyond, the Tiamiyu twin are determined to carve out their own paths, all while remaining connected through their shared history and mutual respect. Their story, a mix of individuality and unity, is a testament to the beauty of twin relationships and the way they evolve over time.
