...A Deep Dive into the Rise of Reproductive Trade Among Students
By Princess Adeola Shittu | Editorial Desk
In the heart of Nigeria’s premier university, a quiet but growing trend is reshaping the lives of some female students. Beneath the weight of academic pressure and the rising cost of living, a new form of economic survival is emerging — egg donation in exchange for money.
Egg donation, a medically regulated process where women provide eggs for assisted reproduction, is not new in Nigeria. However, its growing popularity among undergraduates at the University of Ibadan (UI) has raised both eyebrows and ethical questions.
Now, the University itself has officially raised the alarm. According to recent concerns expressed by the University of Ibadan management, there is a growing pattern of IVF-related egg donation among its female students — a development it finds worrisome.
“The University of Ibadan has raised the alarm over an increase in the donation of eggs for In-Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) by female students of the institution.”
From random interactions and investigations on campus, it is evident that many of the young women involved in this practice have varied reasons for doing so.
“I needed money for school fees and upkeep,” said Ada (not her real name), a 21-year-old 300-level student. “Someone introduced me to a clinic in Ibadan. They paid me ₦150,000 after the procedure.”
For students like Ada, egg donation is seen less as exploitation and more as a transaction — a way out of the economic chokehold of inflation, delayed allowances, and a lack of part-time job opportunities. In a struggling economy, the procedure — often portrayed as fast, simple, and ‘safe’ — becomes tempting.
According to reports, private fertility clinics and intermediaries often target young women between 18 and 25 years old, considered ideal donors due to peak fertility. Following initial screenings and hormonal stimulation, donors undergo a retrieval procedure. Payment typically ranges from ₦100,000 to ₦250,000 depending on the clinic, donor’s health profile, or even physical attributes.
While some clinics adhere to ethical and medical standards, others operate in legal gray zones. Critics warn of the lack of proper counseling, poor post-procedure monitoring, and potential long-term health risks such as hormonal imbalances and future fertility complications.
Though the topic isn’t openly discussed on campus, whispers about egg donation circulate among female students — in hostels, on WhatsApp groups, and within tight-knit circles. It’s an open secret, often masked under vague terms like “medical assistance” or “blood donation” to avoid stigma.
A faculty staff member who spoke anonymously expressed concern:
“The university may not have an official stance yet, but this is something we need to start addressing.”
While some argue that egg donation is a form of empowerment and bodily autonomy, others believe it amounts to subtle coercion.
“When desperation drives the decision, it’s not truly a free choice,” said Dr. Tolu Adeniran, a reproductive rights advocate.
She further noted, “These are young women making long-term reproductive decisions for short-term financial gain, often without understanding the full medical implications.”
The legal framework remains blurry. Nigeria lacks a comprehensive national policy specifically governing egg donation. The National Health Act (2014) touches on consent and ethics in tissue donation, but enforcement is weak. Most clinics self-regulate, with minimal oversight from health authorities.
Some students blame the trend on worsening economic hardship, adding that the practice is not limited to UI. The reproductive trade has reportedly spread across other Nigerian universities.
“At least I’m not sleeping with men who might use me for money rituals,” one student said bluntly.
The question remains: Are these students exercising informed agency, or are they being commodified by the weight of economic distress?
In conclusion, the rise of egg donation among undergraduates at the University of Ibadan casts a spotlight on the intersection of poverty, gender, and health in Nigeria’s education system. This is a conversation that can no longer be hidden in hushed tones — for the dignity, safety, and future of young Nigerian women.
.png)
0 Comments