Nigerian Student Dies After Plasma Donation in Canada

One of the victims, Rodiyat Alabede. Photo: gofundme/The Guardian

A 22-year-old Nigerian international student has died after donating plasma at a private collection centre in Canada, prompting an investigation by health authorities in the country.

The student, identified as Rodiyat Alabede, reportedly became unresponsive during the donation procedure at a plasma collection clinic in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and later died.

Canada’s federal health regulator confirmed that it had received mandatory reports of fatal adverse reactions involving two plasma donors at clinics operated by the healthcare company Grifols. The incidents occurred months apart, one in October 2025 and another in January 2026.

Alabede, who moved to Canada in 2022 to pursue studies at the University of Winnipeg and was training to become a social worker, was described by friends as compassionate and dedicated to helping others.

Officials from the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Manitoba said the student lost consciousness during the procedure and died shortly afterwards. However, authorities noted that investigations are ongoing and it has not yet been confirmed whether the plasma donation directly caused the death.

Health Canada said inspectors had been sent to the facilities involved as part of the review process.

The company operating the centres expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and stated that it currently has no evidence linking the deaths directly to the plasma donation process.

Plasma donation involves drawing blood from a donor, separating the plasma, the liquid component rich in antibodies—from the blood, and returning the remaining blood components to the body. The plasma collected is used to produce medications for treating conditions such as immune disorders, bleeding problems and severe burns.

The incident has sparked renewed scrutiny of commercial plasma donation centres in Canada, particularly those that offer financial compensation to donors.

Authorities say investigations are continuing to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the deaths.