A Nigerian postgraduate student has died in the United Kingdom, one year after travelling there to further his education.
Hammed, who recently completed a Master’s degree in Business and Management at the University of Plymouth, passed away after his health “deteriorated suddenly from advanced cancer.”
A GoFundMe campaign—created by Mariam Ajibola and Mohammed Chaanda on behalf of Piety Mosque—was initially launched to assist with his medical bills. Following his unexpected passing, the appeal was updated to raise funds for his burial.
According to the organisers, the 36-year-old, originally from Ayete in Oyo State, moved to the UK in September 2024 to begin his Master’s programme. Despite receiving a cancer diagnosis earlier this year, they said he remained determined to complete his studies.
They described Hammed as the last born in a family of four, a cheerful and friendly young man who was “the joyful heart of his home” and deeply committed to others.
As his condition worsened in recent weeks, efforts were made to fly him back to Nigeria so he could spend his final moments with his family. However, doctors later deemed him medically unfit to travel. With repatriation no longer possible, the organisers sought support to ensure he received a dignified burial in the UK.
“We are raising funds to give Hammed a dignified burial,” the appeal noted, adding that every contribution would help honour his life and support his grieving family.
The GoFundMe campaign was closed on Sunday, Nov. 23, after surpassing its donation target.
Hammed’s passing comes just days after the death of another Nigerian in the UK, Chiowa Obeigbe, whose body was discovered in his Gloucester apartment five days after he was believed to have died.
