Kwara lawmakers worry over surge in sperm, egg trade among students

Kwara lawmakers worry over surge in sperm, egg trade among students

The Kwara State House of Assembly has expressed concern over reports that some students in tertiary institutions across the state are selling their sperm and eggs as a means of survival.

The matter was brought to plenary by Rukayat Shittu, representing Owode/Onire Constituency, who cited findings from Kwara State University (KWASU), Malete, and Kwara State Polytechnic.

She warned that the trend poses serious medical, psychological, social, and moral risks to affected youths.

Shittu revealed that students often approach intermediaries, mostly medical personnel with links to the trade, who then connect them with potential clients. Male donors reportedly earn between ₦30,000 and ₦50,000, depending on negotiations.

She further stressed that many students are drawn by financial incentives without understanding the long-term consequences. Egg donation, she noted, carries higher risks, including ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), infections, and possible future fertility issues due to hormonal treatments and invasive procedures.

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The lawmaker urged government agencies to launch sensitisation campaigns across campuses to protect students from exploitation and avert a looming public health crisis.

The motion has since sparked mixed reactions, with some residents praising the initiative while others questioned the lack of concrete statistics to back the claims.

One of the residents, Yahaya Bola Nurudeen, described the motion as timely, stressing that students must be educated about the dangers. “This is one of the good and important motions. Students must be sensitised about the implications,” he said.

Another resident, Musa Tajudeen, attributed the practice to worsening 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 said.

Kwara lawmakers worry over surge in sperm, egg trade among students