Why are female students in a rush to sell their eggs? Poverty or flex?
The University of Ibadan (UI) has expressed serious concern over this growing trend among female students who are increasingly turning to egg donation as a means of income. The University authorities has warned of potential health risks and ethical concerns surrounding such acts.
The University Health Service in a memo, was alarmed at how students were being recruited often through agents or agencies—to donate eggs for In-Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) procedures.
The internal memo, signed by Dr. Aderonke Ajayi, Director of the University Health Service, acknowledged the role of egg donation in helping families battling infertility but cautioned that it should not be commercialised or viewed as a “side hustle.”
“Egg donation involves the use of hormonal medications to stimulate the ovaries, and this comes with short-term health risks such as abdominal pain, bloating, mood swings, and a potentially life-threatening condition known as Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS),” Ajayi noted.
She further warned of other complications including infections, internal bleeding, ovarian torsion, and psychological distress, urging students to prioritise their health and seek medical guidance before considering such procedures.
UI’s management however stressed the need for students to explore safer, long-term income alternatives and called for increased regulation of fertility agencies operating within university environments
