Just to Buy Expensive Phones – Plateau Commission Raises Alarm Over Alleged Sale of Egg Cells by Female Students, Young Women

The Plateau State Gender and Equal Opportunity Commission (PLASGEOC) has expressed concern over what it described as a growing trend of young women and female students allegedly selling their egg cells to fertility clinics in exchange for money.

The commission said preliminary findings indicate that the practice is becoming increasingly common in parts of the state, particularly among students in tertiary institutions and other young women seeking financial support for personal expenses.

The alarm was raised by the Head of Information Unit of the commission, Mrs. Olivia Dung, during a Hausa-language programme, *Mutattauna*, aired on Unity FM in Jos on Tuesday.

According to Dung, the commission recently uncovered the activities of a fertility facility where women reportedly undergo egg donation procedures in return for financial compensation. She expressed concern over the potential health implications of the practice and described it as a form of exploitation that disproportionately affects young women.

She alleged that some participants are motivated by the desire to meet financial needs, purchase luxury items, or maintain certain lifestyles, often without fully understanding the possible long-term consequences.

“Individuals seeking fertility treatment are charged substantial amounts by these facilities, while young girls are being encouraged to donate or sell their ova for relatively small sums of money,” she said.

According to her, some donors allegedly receive between ₦120,000 and ₦150,000 after undergoing the procedure.

Commission Launches Awareness Campaign

In response to the development, the commission said it has begun sensitisation campaigns across communities and educational institutions to educate young women about what it considers the risks associated with commercial egg donation.

Dung disclosed that officials of the commission have already engaged with the management of several tertiary institutions in the state, including the University of Education, Pankshin; the College of Education, Gindiri; and the Polytechnic, Barkin Ladi.

She added that the commission is also planning discussions with the leadership of the University of Jos as part of efforts to expand awareness among students.

“We are carrying out awareness campaigns and educating young women on why they should avoid engaging in this practice,” she said. “We have already met with authorities in some tertiary institutions and intend to continue our engagements with others.”

Call for Greater Parental Involvement

The commission further called on parents, guardians, community leaders, and other stakeholders to pay closer attention to the welfare and activities of young women under their care.

Dung argued that stronger parental guidance and community support could help reduce vulnerability to practices that may expose young women to exploitation.

She also linked the issue to broader concerns surrounding Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV), noting that economic hardship and inadequate supervision often contribute to situations where young people make decisions that could affect their health and wellbeing.

The commission warned that anyone found engaging in activities that violate existing laws or exploit vulnerable individuals would be held accountable in accordance with the law.

PLASGEOC said it remains committed to protecting the rights of women and girls across Plateau State through advocacy, education, and collaboration with relevant institutions and community leaders.