A Nigerian postgraduate student in the United Kingdom, identified as Hammed, has died following a sudden deterioration of his health caused by advanced cancer.
His death was announced through a GoFundMe campaign created by Mariam Ajibola and Mohammed Chaanda on behalf of Piety Mosque in the UK. The fundraiser, initially launched to support his medical treatment, was later updated to seek contributions for his burial.
According to the organisers, the 36-year-old, originally from Ayete in Oyo State and residing in Lagos before his relocation, travelled to the UK in September 2024 to pursue a Master’s degree in Business and Management at the University of Plymouth.
Despite receiving a cancer diagnosis earlier this year, Hammed was said to have shown remarkable resilience, managing both the physical and emotional burden of the illness while successfully completing his academic programme.
Described in the appeal as the youngest of four children, Hammed was remembered as the “joyful heart” of his family, admired for his warmth, generosity and friendly nature.
His health reportedly declined sharply in recent weeks, prompting plans by his family to bring him back to Nigeria so he could spend his final days with loved ones. However, doctors ruled that he was medically unfit to travel, forcing the family to abandon the repatriation plan.
With international transport no longer an option, the organisers shifted focus to arranging a dignified burial for him in the UK. They disclosed that about £5,000 was needed to cover the cost of a 50-year burial plot and coffin.
The GoFundMe campaign surpassed £6,000 as of Sunday, leading the organisers to pause donations after exceeding the target.
