Nigerian Student Dies in UK, Community Rallies Support for Burial as Health Concerns Grow
- 12 hours ago
- 2 min read
The death of a Nigerian postgraduate student in the United Kingdom has prompted renewed concern within the diaspora community over the prevalence of chronic illnesses among Nigerians abroad. Friends and associates have launched a fundraising campaign to support funeral arrangements following his passing.
Douglas Izevbigie, 37, died on January 21 at a hospital in the UK after battling an aggressive form of leukaemia. A GoFundMe appeal created shortly after his death is seeking financial assistance to help his family manage burial and related expenses.
The fundraiser was initiated by a woman identified as Sephora, who described herself as a colleague of Douglas’ sister, Kate. She explained that Douglas relocated to the UK in 2024 to pursue a master’s degree at Sheffield Hallam University. Midway into his studies, he was diagnosed with an aggressive blood cancer that required intensive treatment and repeated hospital admissions.
Despite his deteriorating health, Douglas reportedly made efforts to continue his academic work while undergoing treatment. According to the organiser of the appeal, he endured prolonged hospital stays due to complications arising from the illness.
He was said to have been found unresponsive in his room by his sister before being rushed to an emergency department, where he later died despite medical intervention. His passing has been described by family friends as a devastating blow, particularly for his sister, who had recently lost their mother in Nigeria and had been his primary support throughout his illness.
Organisers of the fundraiser stated that the family intends to bury him in the UK, citing the high cost of repatriating his remains to Nigeria. Donations are being sought to cover funeral expenses and unforeseen costs associated with the process.
News of his death triggered conversations on social media, with several Nigerians in the UK raising concerns about what they perceive as an increasing number of chronic illness diagnoses among members of the community. Some users called for greater health awareness and encouraged newly arrived migrants to register with general practitioners promptly and undergo comprehensive medical checks.
The incident comes days after the death of another Nigerian resident in the UK, a footballer who had been receiving intensive care treatment for a severe brain injury. His passing also followed public appeals for prayers and financial support.
Together, the cases have intensified discussions within the diaspora about early diagnosis, preventive healthcare, and the challenges of accessing timely medical support while living abroad.
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