Tragic Loss: Nigerian Postgraduate Student Succumbs to Cancer in UK
A 36-year-old Nigerian postgraduate student identified as Hammed has died in the United Kingdom after a sudden health decline caused by advanced cancer. The heartbreaking news emerged when organizers of a GoFundMe appeal updated the campaign from seeking medical treatment support to requesting funds for burial expenses.
Hammed, originally from Lagos with roots in Ayete, Oyo State, had traveled to Britain in September last year to pursue a Master's degree in Business and Management at the University of Plymouth. Despite receiving a cancer diagnosis earlier this year, he reportedly continued and completed his studies despite the significant physical and emotional toll.
From Treatment to Burial: The GoFundMe Transition
Campaign organizers Mariam Ajibola and Mohammed Chaanda, who created the fundraiser on behalf of Piety Mosque, described Hammed as the youngest of four children and the "joyful heart of his home." Their account revealed that his condition deteriorated sharply in recent weeks, leading doctors to declare him too ill to be flown home to spend his final days with family in Nigeria.
With repatriation no longer possible, the organizers turned to the public for support in providing what they termed a "dignified burial in the UK." The campaign initially targeted approximately £5000 to cover expenses including:
- A 50-year lease on a burial plot
- Casket and related funeral costs
- Other associated expenses
By Sunday, the campaign had exceeded expectations, raising over £6000, prompting organizers to temporarily pause donations.
Another Nigerian Tragedy in the UK
Hammed's passing follows closely on another tragic case involving a Nigerian in the UK. Chiowa Obeigbe was found dead in his Gloucester apartment, with the discovery announced by UK-based Nigerian Benjamin Kuti, known online as Oluomo of Derby.
Kuti shared that Obeigbe had been undiscovered in his flat for five days and appealed for help in locating the deceased's relatives. He indicated that Obeigbe was believed to be from Imo State and requested anyone with information to come forward to facilitate arrangements for returning the body to Nigeria.
This Gloucester incident occurred within forty-eight hours of a similar report involving Nigerian truck driver Bode Ologan, who was found dead inside his vehicle in Texas, United States.
The back-to-back tragedies have highlighted the vulnerabilities faced by Nigerians living abroad and the importance of community support systems during such difficult times. Hammed's story particularly underscores the challenges international students face when dealing with serious health issues while far from home and family support networks.
