The death of a Nigerian student, Douglas Izevbigie, in the United Kingdom has triggered renewed concerns among members of the Nigerian community abroad over the prevalence of chronic illnesses.
Izevbigie, 37, reportedly died on January 21 at a hospital in the UK after battling an aggressive form of leukaemia.
Findings showed that a GoFundMe campaign was launched shortly after his death to support his burial and related expenses.
The appeal, which has been circulated among Nigerians in the UK, was initiated by a woman identified as Sephora, said to be a colleague of the deceased’s sister, Kate.
According to the organiser, Izevbigie relocated to the UK in 2024 to pursue a master’s degree at Sheffield Hallam University but was diagnosed with an aggressive type of leukaemia midway into his studies last year.
She stated that he underwent treatment and was frequently hospitalised due to complications arising from the illness.
“In the middle of his studies last year, he was diagnosed with an aggressive form of leukaemia. He underwent treatment and was in and out of hospital with complications.
“Even through it all, he tried to keep up with his studies, showing remarkable strength,” she wrote.
The appeal disclosed that he was found unwell and unresponsive in his room by his sister and was rushed to the Accident and Emergency unit, where he later died despite efforts by medical personnel to save him.
Describing the loss as devastating, the organiser noted that Kate had recently lost their mother in Nigeria and had been Douglas’ primary support throughout his illness.
The family, she said, had decided to bury him in the UK due to the high cost of repatriating his remains to Nigeria.
Following news of his death, several Nigerians took to social media to express worry over what they described as an increasing number of chronic illness diagnoses among Nigerians residing in the UK.
Some called for increased health awareness, urging Nigerians relocating abroad to prioritise early medical checks and registration with general practitioners to detect underlying health conditions.
Izevbigie’s death occurred days after another UK-based Nigerian, Saburi Adeniji, reportedly died following complications from a severe brain stem injury.
Adeniji, a footballer with Kings Park Rangers Football Club of Sudbury, Suffolk, had been in intensive care before his death was announced by the club.
The recent incidents have intensified conversations within the Nigerian diaspora on the need for improved health consciousness, early diagnosis and access to adequate medical care.
