The Kwara State House of Assembly has expressed concern over reports that some students in tertiary institutions across the state are turning to the sale of sperm and eggs as a means of survival.
The issue was raised at plenary by Rukayat Shittu, representing Owode/Onire Constituency, who cited findings from Kwara State University (KWASU), Malete, and Kwara State Polytechnic.
According to her, the trend poses grave medical, psychological, social, and moral risks to young people. She disclosed that students usually go through intermediaries—mostly medical personnel with links to the trade—who connect them with prospective buyers. Male donors reportedly earn between ₦30,000 and ₦50,000, depending on negotiations.
Shittu noted that many students are lured by the financial gains without a proper understanding of the long-term implications. Egg donation, she explained, carries even higher risks, including ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), infections, and possible fertility problems due to hormonal treatments and invasive procedures.
She therefore called on government agencies to embark on sensitisation campaigns across campuses to protect students from exploitation and prevent a looming public health crisis.
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The motion has sparked mixed reactions among residents. While some commended the initiative, others questioned the lack of verifiable statistics to back the claims.
One resident, Yahaya Bola Nurudeen, described the motion as timely, insisting that students must be educated on the dangers.
“This is one of the good and important motions. Students must be sensitised about the implications,” he said.
Another resident, Musa Tajudeen, linked the practice to deepening poverty.
“Ninety percent of them know the implications, but poverty is what does not make them think straight. Government needs to address what is pushing people to this act” he argued.