The Education Rights Campaign (ERC), University of Ibadan branch, has raised concern over an alarming rise in IVF egg donations among female students, blaming the trend on the commercialisation of education and worsening economic conditions in Nigeria.
In a statement signed by its branch secretary, Nnamdi Ochi, the ERC described the development as a “terrible consequence” of skyrocketing tuition fees and underfunded public education.
The group pointed to the University of Ibadan’s fee hike during the 2022/2023 session—ranging from 453% to 750%—as a key factor driving students into desperation. Fees previously around N65,000 now range from N230,000 to over N400,000, with new and returning students reportedly facing further increases this year.
“The increasing reliance on egg donation by female students to survive and fund their education is not a choice but a desperate act of survival,” the statement read. “This exploitative trend reflects the collapse of a system that sees education as a luxury rather than a right.”
ERC condemned the lack of meaningful improvements in university infrastructure and welfare despite the hikes, and called on the newly elected Students’ Union leadership to mobilize against further increases and the victimization of student activists.
Among their demands is the reinstatement of Nice Linanus, a student representative suspended for protesting fee hikes.
The campaign urged nationwide student resistance against anti-poor policies and called for:
– Increased public education funding
– Abolishment of exploitative fees
– Provision of student-friendly housing, feeding, and healthcare programs
“This crisis is a direct result of failed government policies. Students must organize independently and demand an end to education commercialisation,” the statement concluded.
ERC urged students interested in joining its movement to contact the group via 08033914091 or 08027564324.
