The University of Ibadan, Ibadan, in Oyo State, has raised concerns about the growing trend of the organised recruitment and participation of female students in tertiary institutions in Nigeria as egg donors for in vitro fertilisation (IVF) procedures.
The Director of Health Services of the institution, Dr Aderonke B. Ajayi, in an internal memorandum entitled “Health Advisory on Egg Donation,” said egg donation offers a beacon of hope for couples struggling with infertility.
Ajayi warned against exploiting it as a reliable source of income or a casual means of income had potential health and safety implications, including concerns about future fertility.
In the advisory dated April 15, 2025, he regretted the increasing trend, noting that it raises ethical and health concerns that warrant careful consideration by students, parents, educational institutions, and regulatory bodies.
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While acknowledging the altruistic aspect of helping infertile couples, the director stated that the potential health risks and the lack of clarity on the long-term effects of egg donation practice necessitate a more informed and cautious approach.
“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 statement reads.
The advisory noted that reports from some donors suggest potential long-term health consequences including loss of fertility.
“It is important to note that current research is still inconclusive regarding who is medically safe to donate, how many times donation can safely occur, and the ideal interval between donations.
Quoting expert recommendations, the advisory noted, “Do not donate more than three times in a year. Always choose a reputable clinic that adheres to established guidelines and prioritises donor safety.
“While current evidence does not conclusively link egg donation to an increased risk of cancer, the lack of extensive long-term studies means that potential risks cannot be entirely ruled out.
“We strongly advise all students to seek professional medical advice before considering egg donation. Your health and well-being are paramount, and decisions made today should not lead to regret in the near or distant future. Stay informed. Stay safe.”
Fertility experts generally point to significant benefits of egg donation for women facing specific fertility challenges, particularly younger women who have experienced premature ovarian insufficiency or depletion of their eggs.
The experts stress that egg donors are typically recruited through regulated, registered and reputable donor agencies that conduct thorough screening processes.
Such established channels, they maintain, ensure a level of oversight and adherence to ethical and medical standards, such as informed consent and regulated recruitment channels, with the focus on reimbursing legitimate expenses such as travel and medical check-ups rather than direct payment for eggs.
Reps mandated committee to look into illegal egg donations
On 21 November, 2024, Nigeria’s House of Representatives mandated its Committee on Healthcare Services to investigate the spate of illegal egg donations and practice of assisted reproductive health technologies in Nigeria, recommend measures to prevent further incidents and report within four weeks for further legislative action.
The House also urged the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Development, and the Ministry of Women Affairs to create support systems for women who have participated in egg donation to help address health complications and psychological impacts.
Consequently, the lawmakers urged the Ministry of Health and Social Development, and the Ministry of Information and National Orientation to intensify public awareness initiatives focusing on the risks and ethical considerations of egg donation to help inform potential donors and discourage exploitation.
These resolutions followed the adoption of a motion on illegal Harvesting and Commercialisation of Human Eggs in Nigeria moved by Hon. Kwamoti Bitrus La’ ori at plenary on Thursday.
La’ori noted that the commercialization of human eggs, particularly in the context of illegal harvesting, poses significant ethical, legal, and health concerns globally as the issue has gained prominence due to a growing demand for assisted reproductive technologies amid insufficient regulations in Nigeria.
The lawmaker also noted that Nigeria’s healthcare system, particularly reproductive health is still evolving coupled with increasing infertility rates among couples seeking assisted reproductive treatments, thus leading to a flourishing market for human eggs.
“The demand for human eggs has led to exploitative practices such as illegal egg harvesting and commercialization, often targeting vulnerable women, particularly poor teenagers unaware of the risks involved.”
She recalled that in 2021, Nigerian authorities discovered an illegal egg harvesting scheme in Lagos, where a network of medical professionals and agents lured young women, mostly students or low-income earners, with the assurance of monetary rewards for their eggs, reportedly, women received between N200,000 and N500,000, or $120 to $300, for their participation which is below international pricing standards.
A large number of women had little knowledge about the medical procedures, potential health risks, and ethical implications of egg donation, some experienced ovarian hyper stimulation syndrome (OHSS) and other serious health issues after harvest.
A woman’s complications during an operation at a local clinic led to an investigation by the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP).
Furthermore, the lawmaker recalled that “in 2022, an Abuja based fertility clinic was found in the illegal commercialization of human eggs to foreign clients, enrolling women under false claims of being part of legitimate egg donation programs.
“Reports suggest the clinic’s online platform is inflating egg prices for international couples, underscoring the need for robust Nigerian regulatory frameworks to regulate fertility practices”
“The absence of comprehensive legislation governing reproductive health in Nigeria has allowed these illegal activities to thrive. While the National Health Act provides some guidelines for reproductive health, specific regulations regarding egg donation and commercialization are lacking.
“Due to the effects of the worsening economic situation in the country, this illegal practice has thrived, with many young women seeking financial relief falling prey to unscrupulous practitioners who exploit their desperation for financial relief, ignoring the health risks associated with egg retrieval procedures as well as the unethical commodification of human life and the psychological impact on donors.”
The report is not yet made public.
