By Ghazali Ibrahim 
The management of University of Ibadan have expressed concern over the growing trend of female students being recruited as egg donors for in vitro fertilisation (IVF) procedures, warning of potential health risks and ethical concerns.
In an internal memorandum titled “Health Advisory on Egg Donation”, issued on April 15, 2025, the university’s Director of Health Services, Dr. Aderonke B. Ajayi, cautioned that while egg donation can be a noble act that brings hope to families struggling with infertility, using it as a source of income or casual side hustle poses serious medical and psychological risks.
“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 by individuals, agents, or agencies,” Dr. Ajayi stated in the advisory.
“While egg donation has brought hope to many families, it should not be considered a permanent source of income or an alternative ‘side hustle’.”
The advisory listed a range of potential short-term side effects associated with egg donation, including abdominal pain, mood swings, Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS), infections, and internal injuries.
It also pointed to anecdotal reports suggesting possible long-term consequences such as reduced fertility, though research in this area remains inconclusive.
Dr. Ajayi urged students to seek professional medical advice and to only work with reputable clinics that comply with established guidelines and prioritise donor safety.
“Do not donate more than three times in a year,” the advisory cautioned, echoing medical recommendations.
“Your health and well-being are paramount. Decisions made today should not lead to regret in the near or distant future.”
The warning comes amid rising demand for donor eggs in Nigeria, where IVF procedures have become increasingly popular for treating infertility.
Fertility experts acknowledge the value of egg donation in helping women particularly younger ones with premature ovarian insufficiency but stress the need for ethical standards and regulatory oversight.
Dr. John Ekeani, a leading obstetrician and fertility expert based in Abuja, reinforced the university’s concerns, saying that informed consent, proper screening, and limited donation frequency are crucial for protecting donors.
“It is advised that girls should not donate their eggs more than five times in their lifetime to avoid complications and to reduce the risk of too many offspring sharing the same genetic makeup,” Ekeani said.
“Frequent donations can overexpose donors to anaesthetic drugs and IVF medications, increasing the likelihood of side effects.”
He further clarified misconceptions about egg loss during donation, explaining that eggs retrieved during IVF cycles are typically those that would be lost naturally during a woman’s menstrual cycle.
“Some people have termed egg donation as egg salvation, not egg loss,” he noted.
