Title: Nigerian postgraduate student dies in UK after battle with leukaemia, community launches fundraiser Date Published: 12 February 2026 Description: The death of a Nigerian postgraduate student, Douglas Izevbigie, in the United Kingdom has renewed concerns over the prevalence of chronic illnesses among Nigerians living abroad, with members of the diaspora launching a fundraising campaign to support his burial.Izevbigie, 37, died on January 21 at a UK hospital after battling an aggressive form of leukaemia. A GoFundMe appeal was created shortly after his death to assist his family with funeral and related expenses.The fundraiser, which has been widely circulated among Nigerians in the UK, was organised by a woman identified as Sephora, who described herself as a colleague of the deceased’s sister, Kate. She said the funds were intended to support the family during the difficult period.According to the appeal, Izevbigie travelled to the UK in 2024 as an international student to pursue a master’s degree at Sheffield Hallam University. He was diagnosed with leukaemia midway into his studies last year and spent extended periods in and out of hospital due to complications arising from the illness.Despite his condition, Sephora noted that he made determined efforts to keep up with his academic work, demonstrating resilience throughout his treatment.She added that Izevbigie died unexpectedly after he was found unwell and unresponsive in his room by his sister. He was rushed to the Accident and Emergency unit, but all medical efforts to save him proved unsuccessful.The loss was described as particularly painful for his sister, Kate, who had recently lost their mother in Nigeria and had been Izevbigie’s main source of support throughout his stay in the UK, including assisting with his travel and care during his illness.Explaining the purpose of the fundraising appeal, Sephora said the family had decided to bury Izevbigie 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 a growing pattern of Nigerians in the UK falling ill with chronic conditions. Some called for greater health awareness, early medical screening and prompt registration with general practitioners upon relocation.Tributes also poured in from friends and acquaintances, who described Izevbigie’s death as a significant loss and prayed for strength for his family.Izevbigie’s death came days after another Nigerian in the UK, Saburi Adeniji, a footballer with Kings Park Rangers Football Club of Sudbury, Suffolk, died after battling a severe brain stem injury. His passing had similarly prompted appeals for prayers and financial support.The incidents have further intensified discussions within the Nigerian diaspora on health consciousness, early diagnosis and access to adequate medical care while living abroad. Attached Images: 9841195b941d42e71c5c7e9befe3da6cce0e178e0e8ca4abcb811a5cf25d16fd.jpg Attached Video: None