The death of a 22-year-old Nigerian international student in Canada after donating blood plasma has sparked concern among health authorities, Nigerians abroad, and the wider public. The incident, which occurred in Winnipeg, Manitoba, is now under investigation by Canadian regulators amid broader scrutiny of the country’s private plasma donation system.
The Student at the Centre of the Tragedy
The deceased has been identified as Rodiyat Alabede, a Nigerian student who moved to Canada in 2022 to pursue studies at the University of Winnipeg. Friends and community members described her as a compassionate young woman who aspired to become a social worker and dedicate her life to helping others.
Alabede reportedly died on October 25, 2025, after donating plasma at a collection centre in Winnipeg operated by the Spanish healthcare company Grifols, which runs several plasma donation clinics across Canada.
According to reports, she became unresponsive during the procedure, and doctors later informed friends that her heart stopped beating during the donation process.
A close friend, Mary Ann Chika, later identified her body at the hospital after she was pronounced dead.
Another Donor Also Dies
Alabede’s death is not the only case under review. Canadian health authorities confirmed that another donor also died after donating plasma at a different clinic in Winnipeg on January 30, 2026.
Both deaths occurred at facilities operated by Grifols, prompting regulators to launch inspections and a broader investigation into the clinics’ operations.
Health Canada Launches Investigation
Canada’s federal health regulator, Health Canada, said it received reports of fatal adverse reactions involving plasma donors and has dispatched inspectors to examine the clinics where the incidents occurred.
Authorities have emphasized that no direct link has yet been established between the plasma donation procedures and the deaths, noting that investigations are still ongoing.
Grifols also expressed condolences to the families of the victims but stated that, based on available information, there is no evidence that the donation process itself caused the fatalities.
Why People Donate Plasma
Plasma donation is a medical procedure similar to blood donation. Blood is drawn from the donor, the plasma—the yellow liquid portion containing antibodies—is separated, and the remaining red blood cells are returned to the donor’s body.
Plasma is used to produce life-saving medications for conditions such as:
- immune system disorders
- haemophilia and bleeding disorders
- severe burns
- liver disease
In Canada and the United States, private plasma clinics often pay donors for each donation, which has made the practice popular among students and low-income earners seeking extra income.
At some clinics, donors can receive up to about $100 per donation, with additional bonuses for frequent donors.
Debate Over Paid Plasma Donation
The tragedy has revived debates about commercialized plasma donation systems in Canada. Critics argue that the involvement of private companies in blood product collection raises ethical and safety concerns.
Canada already faces criticism for relying heavily on imported plasma products, especially from the United States, and the deaths have prompted renewed calls for stronger oversight of the industry.
Advocates have also raised concerns that financial incentives could encourage vulnerable individuals—particularly students and immigrants—to donate plasma more frequently than recommended.
Reaction From the Nigerian Community
The news of Alabede’s death has generated widespread grief among Nigerians both at home and abroad. Friends described her as cheerful, ambitious, and deeply committed to her dreams.
On social media, many Nigerians expressed shock and called for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident, while offering condolences to her family.
For many international students, the story has also highlighted the financial pressures that often push students to take on side activities such as plasma donation.
Awaiting the Final Findings
As investigations continue, Canadian authorities are expected to determine whether the deaths were directly linked to the plasma donation procedures or caused by other medical complications.
For now, the death of Rodiyat Alabede stands as a heartbreaking reminder of the risks that can sometimes accompany medical procedures—even those widely considered safe—and has triggered important conversations about the regulation of paid plasma donation systems worldwide.