The University of Ibadan (UI) has issued a strong warning to its female students over the growing trend of engaging in egg donation for financial gain, cautioning that the medical procedure is not a side hustle and poses potential health risks.
In a memo dated April 15, 2025, and circulated internally, the University Health Service described the act of treating egg donation as a regular source of income as “worrisome” and potentially dangerous. The statement, signed by the Director of Health Services, Dr. Aderonke Ajayi, noted that while egg donation plays a vital role in helping infertile couples conceive, students must be wary of the physical, psychological, and ethical implications.
According to the memo obtained by ireport247new.com, the university is witnessing a concerning increase in female students being recruited by individuals and agencies for in-vitro fertilization (IVF) egg donations. Many of these students are reportedly being lured by the prospect of quick money, with little understanding of the medical and emotional consequences involved.
“It has come to our attention that there is a growing trend within the university community involving the participation and/or recruitment of female students as egg donors for IVF,” Dr. Ajayi stated.
She emphasized that such involvement often bypasses proper medical guidance, placing students at risk of serious complications. Some of these complications include hormonal imbalances, infections, Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS), internal bleeding, ovarian torsion, and even long-term fertility issues.
Egg donation typically requires the administration of hormonal medication to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs, followed by a surgical retrieval process. While this is standard practice in IVF, experts say the procedure must be carried out under strict medical supervision.
Dr. Ajayi explained, “Short-term risks include abdominal pain, bloating, mood swings, breast tenderness, and in rare cases, OHSS. The long-term effects are still being researched, but concerns remain about the loss of future fertility and the psychological toll on donors.”
The university advised that egg donation should not be done more than three times a year, and only through certified clinics that follow ethical and medical standards. Students were urged to avoid illegal or unregulated channels that exploit donors without adequate care or follow-up.
The memo calls on students, academic staff, and parents to help spread awareness about the issue and protect vulnerable female students from being misled or financially exploited. Dr. Ajayi warned that commodifying one’s body parts—especially for economic reasons—can have dangerous consequences when done without full knowledge or consent.
In addition to medical risks, experts have also highlighted emotional distress and ethical concerns, including how donor information is handled, whether future contact is permitted, and whether the donors are given adequate counseling.
Reactions from students on campus have been mixed. While some acknowledged the university’s concern, others cited the economic hardship many students face as a factor pushing them toward alternative sources of income.
A final-year female student who spoke on the condition of anonymity said, “The reality is that many students are struggling financially. Some see egg donation as a quick way to support themselves. But the university is right — we really don’t get told everything about the risks.”
Health experts are calling for the government and Nigeria’s medical regulatory bodies to strengthen guidelines on egg donation. While the procedure is legal in Nigeria, a lack of enforceable regulations leaves room for abuse, especially among financially vulnerable young women.
The University of Ibadan’s stance reflects a growing awareness among institutions about the potential for medical exploitation. Stakeholders are urging for collaboration between universities, health agencies, and advocacy groups to ensure students make informed decisions about their health and futures.
As the conversation around reproductive rights and medical ethics continues to evolve in Nigeria, the University’s intervention is timely and necessary — placing the health and well-being of students above all else.