UI Warns Female Undergraduates;Egg Donation Not Side Hustle
By Femi Ogundele
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The economic situation in the country is having its effect on female university students as some of them are now forced to selling their eggs to make some money for survival on campus.
Indeed,the management of the University of Ibadan on Friday raised concerns over the increasing number of female students engaging in egg donation as a source of income.
To show the seriousness attached to the issue, the University in a memo dated April 15, 2025 the University Health Service warned that while egg donation has brought hope to many families struggling with infertility, it should not be seen as a permanent source of income or a side hustle.
The internal memorandum was signed by the Director of the University Health Service, Dr Aderonke Ajayi.
Dr. Ajayi lamented the growing trend within the university community involving the recruitment and participation of female students as egg donors for In-Vitro Fertilisation, often through individuals, agents or agencies.
She explained that egg donation involves the use of hormonal medications to stimulate the ovaries, a process that carries several short-term health 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 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’.
“Egg donation involves the use of hormonal medications to stimulate the ovaries. This process carries several short-term risks, including abdominal pain, breast tenderness, bloating, mood swings, Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS), infection and bleeding, ovarian torsion, potential injury to the bladder, nearby blood vessels, and bowel and psychological distress,” the director stated.
Dr. Ajayi warned that some egg donors have reported long-term effects, including the possibility of losing fertility, stressing that current research is still inconclusive about who is medically safe to donate eggs and how many times a person can safely undergo the procedure.
In terms of safety, she advised that egg donation should not be done more than three times a year, urging students to always choose reputable clinics that follow proper medical guidelines and prioritise donor safety.
“It is important that our students understand the health implications and long-term consequences of egg donation.
“We advise everyone to act with caution and prioritise their health over financial incentives,” the memo stated.
The university called on members of the community to share the message and protect young women from being exploited or misinformed about the risks involved in egg donation.
Egg donation among girls generally has minimal short-term side effects, but it’s crucial to understand the potential risks and benefits before considering the procedure.
According to a medical research on the issue,while some donors may experience temporary side effects like bloating, mood swings, and minor pain, there’s a low risk of developing a more serious condition called ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). Long-term health risks and fertility issues are rare if not developing complications during treatment.
Potential side effects include Mild Side Effects,Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS) adding that :”there’s a small risk of complications from blood drawing, such as minor bruising or pain at the injection site. Rarely, allergic reactions can occur. During the egg retrieval procedure, there’s a risk of mild to moderate discomfort, bleeding, or infection”.
