UI warns female students as egg donation rises among income-seeking undergraduates

DDM News

The University of Ibadan has raised serious concerns over the increasing number of female students engaging in egg donation for financial gain.

According to Diaspora digital media (DDM) reports, the warning was issued by the University Health Service, which advised that egg donation should not be treated as a source of income or side hustle.

According to the institution, the growing trend is being driven by economic hardship and the rising cost of living in Nigeria.

As inflation continues to rise and living expenses soar, many students are struggling to meet their financial needs.

For some, egg donation appears to be a tempting option due to the financial rewards offered by clinics.

However, the university cautioned that this practice comes with serious health risks that students may not fully understand.

Egg donation involves the use of hormonal medications to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs.

This process can lead to complications such as abdominal pain, breast tenderness, bloating, and mood swings.

In some cases, egg donors may develop Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS), which is a potentially dangerous condition.

Other risks include infections, internal bleeding, ovarian torsion, and damage to internal organs like the bladder and bowel.

The psychological effects of egg donation were also highlighted as a major concern.

Young women undergoing the procedure may experience emotional stress, anxiety, or regret, especially if they were not properly informed.

Dr. Aderonke Ajayi, Director of the University Health Service, issued a memo dated April 15 to address the issue.

In the memo, Dr. Ajayi urged students to prioritise their health and well-being over financial incentives.

She stressed the importance of understanding the long-term health consequences of egg donation before making such decisions.

The university encouraged students to avoid unregulated or unsafe clinics that fail to meet medical standards.

Instead, it advised those considering egg donation to consult only with reputable and certified medical institutions.

The University of Ibadan also acknowledged that the financial struggle many students face is real and needs to be addressed.

However, it insisted that resorting to egg donation without full knowledge of its implications is not a safe solution.

The memo called on healthcare professionals and government agencies to take steps to regulate the egg donation industry.

It also urged policymakers to look into the root causes pushing students into such risky ventures.

In recent years, egg donation has become increasingly common among female students in Nigerian universities.

Many of them are lured by the promise of substantial financial compensation, often without understanding the medical risks.

The lack of strict regulation in the fertility industry has made it easier for clinics to recruit vulnerable young women.

This situation creates a serious risk of exploitation and long-term health issues among students.

The University of Ibadan’s public warning serves as a call for greater awareness and responsible medical practice.

It also aims to protect students from being misled or coerced into harmful health choices for short-term gain.

As one of Nigeria’s leading institutions, the university is taking proactive steps to safeguard the welfare of its students.

By raising awareness, the university hopes to encourage informed decision-making and reduce exposure to unnecessary medical risks.

It also emphasises that financial hardship should never force students into decisions that could harm their future health or fertility.

The school has pledged to continue sensitising students about the dangers of unregulated egg donation and promoting safer alternatives.

With rising reports of exploitation, experts agree that more education and oversight are urgently needed in Nigeria’s fertility industry.

The University of Ibadan’s initiative may set an example for other institutions to follow in protecting their students.

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