The management of the University of Ibadan has raised concerns over the increasing number of female students engaging in egg donation as a source of income.
In a memo dated April 15, 2025 but cited by PUNCH Online on Friday, 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.
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.
These include abdominal pain, breast tenderness, bloating, mood swings, and a condition known as Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome.
It may also result in infections, bleeding, ovarian torsion, injury to internal organs such as the bladder and bowel, and psychological distress.
“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 distres