By Rita Enemuru, Reporting
THE University Health Service of the University of Ibadan (UI) has issued a warning against the growing trend of female students being recruited as egg donors for In-Vitro Fertilisation (IVF).
The institution expressed concerns over students being lured into egg donation as a means of generating income in an internal memorandum sighted by Stonix News.
The memo was signed and released by the Director of the University Health Service, Dr. Aderonke Ajav dated 15th April 2025.
The University’s health advisory highlighted the potential dangers associated with egg donation, especially as it involves the use of hormonal medications to stimulate the ovaries.
The memo listed a number of short-term health risks, including abdominal pain, mood swings, breast tenderness, bloating, Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS), infection, bleeding, and psychological distress.
More severe complications such as ovarian torsion and possible injury to internal organs were also mentioned.
“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 In-Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) by individuals, agents, or agencies.
“While egg donation has brought hope to many families struggling with infertility, it is important to note that it should not be considered a permanent source of income or an alternative “side hustle,” the memo stated in part.
The University further cautioned that long-term risks, such as loss of fertility, have been reported by some egg donors, although research remains inconclusive on the full impact of the procedure.
Questions regarding the medical safety of donors and the number of times donation can occur safely also remain unanswered.
To mitigate these risks, the institution stated that health experts have recommended that individuals do not donate eggs more than three times a year.
Additionally, donors are advised to use only reputable clinics that strictly follow established safety guidelines and prioritise the well-being of the donor.
Stating their views on female egg donations, some students of the University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, said that some students are not just donating because they want to but because of the harsh economic situation of the country.
While some said it’s something they can never do as a result of the health implications that result from it, others said they are not against.
One Blessing Emenike, a final year student of Communication and Media Studies said that egg donation is something she wouldn’t do no matter the pressure because she finds it absurd.
According to her, the thought that she has a child somewhere is something that would hunt..
Comfort Reuben another student said that she is neither against it nor in support of it because she sees it as something most students indulge in to get money to support themselves in school.
She said: “I don’t support it either ways. You might never know how the future will pan out with you selling your eggs and in the nearest future you find out that you can’t have kids.
“Or some post surgery casualties or complications that could be life threatening.”
Another student, Chioma Obidozie said: “I would not donate or sell my eggs for whatever reason. Because I have read some of the side effects of it and it’s not good. Sometimes even the people that donate their eggs don’t get to receive the money for their donation or sale.
“I think I understand why people do it and that’s probably because of their lifestyle and where they are coming from. Some students have no one to help them and the only way they think they can get money to meet their need is donating their eggs.
“For me, it’s not really a good idea cause I wouldn’t do that but I won’t fault those that are doing it either.”
In her view, Chinenye Ogbonna, another student said that as long as it doesn’t affect the donors in the long run, then it’s okay.
She said: “They’re not ready to give birth but they can help others who are trying to conceive so to me, its not a bad thing.
“It’s legit, it doesn’t pose a health risk and it pays, so i feel it’s okay. Not sure it’s something I’ll want to do but generally, I feel it’s okay.”
Airing her opinion, another student, Abasi-isifreke Umanah said: “Honestly, I think egg donation by students is a personal decision, but it should be made with a full understanding of what it really involves.
Abasi-isifreke Umanah
“As a student myself, I know how tough things can get financially, and I get why some people might see it as a way out. But it shouldn’t just be about the money.
“There should be proper counseling and education so anyone thinking about it knows the emotional and physical side too. It’s a beautiful thing to help someone start a family, but it has to come from a place of informed choice, not desperation.”
Another respondent, Joyce Williams kicked against it because according to her, not only are donors grossly underpaid for it in Nigeria, most doctors don’t even have the professional expertise to extract them safely, or do the operation.
“In the long term, those girls end up having complications that the meager money they were paid cannot even solve.
Joyce Williams
“If you must do it, do it in an advanced private clinic or outside the country, or don’t do it at all,” she said.
For Blessing Menegbo, another respondent said that as long as the person is an adult, she don’t see any reason why there should be an issue.
In her view, if the person has done enough research and is sure that they’re ready for it, then it’s alright.
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