The recent death of 37-year-old Nigerian student Douglas Izevbigie in a UK hospital has sparked widespread concern within the Nigerian diaspora regarding the prevalence of chronic and silent illnesses.
Izevbigie, who was pursuing a master’s degree at Sheffield Hallam University, died following a battle with aggressive leukaemia diagnosed mid-way through his studies.
PUNCH Metro learnt on Wednesday that a GoFundMe appeal was created following his death on January 21 at a UK hospital after a battle with aggressive leukaemia.
The fundraiser, shared widely among Nigerians in the UK, was organised by a woman identified simply as Sephora, who said the funds would assist the deceased’s sister, Kate, and their family with funeral and related expenses.
Sephora, who described herself as Kate’s colleague, said Douglas, 37, travelled to the UK in 2024 as an international student to pursue a master’s degree at Sheffield Hallam University.
According to her, he was diagnosed with an aggressive form of leukaemia midway through his studies last year and spent long periods in and out of hospital due to complications.
“In the middle of his studies last year, he was diagnosed with an aggressive form of leukaemia. He underwent treatment and was frequently in and out of the hospital with complications,” she wrote.
“Even through it all, he continued trying to keep up with his studies, showing remarkable strength and determination.”
She added that Douglas died unexpectedly after he was found unwell and unresponsive in his room by his sister.
“Tragically, Douglas passed away unexpectedly on January 21. He was found unwell and unresponsive in his room by his sister and was taken to A&E, but despite urgent medical care, he sadly passed away,” the appeal stated.
Sephora described the loss as particularly devastating for Kate, who had recently lost their mother in Nigeria and had been Douglas’ primary support system throughout his illness.
“This has been a devastating loss for Kate, especially as she has recently also lost her mum in Nigeria. Kate supported Douglas throughout his time in the UK, including helping to fund his travel here and being his main support while he battled illness far from home,” she said.
Explaining the purpose of the fundraiser, she noted that the family planned to bury Douglas in the UK due to the high cost of repatriating his remains to Nigeria.
“We are raising money to cover Douglas’ funeral expenses here in the UK, as well as any other unexpected costs that may come up during this time.
“The family’s plan is to lay him to rest here, as repatriation and funeral costs in Nigeria would be far too expensive,” she added, appealing for donations and support.
Following news of his death, several Nigerians took to social media to express concerns about what they described as a growing number of chronic illness cases among Nigerians living in the UK.
Reacting on X, Modupe Adeboye-Ayoroh wrote, “Now this is the height of ‘too many’ Nigerians in the UK falling sick with chronic illnesses and passing away shortly after. Can doctors look into this pattern and educate people on what could be the causes, if it can be avoided for others?”
Another user, @EmperorJakarta, urged Nigerians relocating to the UK to prioritise medical check-ups.
“Every Nigerian that comes to the UK should be encouraged to immediately register with a GP and do full body checks, including all organs, to ensure there aren’t underlying issues that need to be treated or managed,” the post read.
Paying tribute, another acquaintance, Osamuyi, wrote, “My coursemate in school. Douglas, your passing is a serious loss to us. May God grant your family the fortitude to bear this loss.”
Olumide Adeyemi also questioned the trend, saying, “I don’t know if it is just me, but I have seen so many Nigerians get diagnosed with leukaemia in the UK. Is it that the disease doesn’t get detected in Nigeria, or what they consume over there?”
Douglas’ death comes less than five days after another Nigerian in the UK, Saburi Adeniji, died after battling a severe brain stem injury.
Adeniji, a footballer and left winger for Kings Park Rangers Football Club of Sudbury, Great Cornard, Suffolk, was confirmed dead on Friday morning, according to a statement by the non-league club.
The club said he had been in intensive care and held on until arrangements were made for his family to travel to the UK. His death followed earlier public appeals for prayers and financial support.
The incidents have further stirred conversations within the Nigerian diaspora about health awareness, early diagnosis, and access to medical care abroad.
