Nigerians mourn as first class graduate who battled sickle cell dies

Nigerians have taken to social media to mourn the death of first class graduate and sickle cell advocate Anisa Ishaq-Balogun, whose passing has triggered an outpouring of tributes from friends, colleagues and admirers.

Anisa, known on X as @Nerdy_neesah, reportedly died on Wednesday after years of battling sickle cell disease.

Many Nigerians who knew her story described her as a quiet but resilient warrior, recalling how she overcame health challenges to achieve academic excellence.

She graduated with a first class degree in Cell Biology and Genetics from the University of Lagos, earning an impressive 4.82 CGPA out of 5.00.

Her achievement had earlier inspired many young Nigerians living with sickle cell disorder, proving that the condition does not define one’s potential.

One mourner, who interviewed her two years ago at a gathering of first class graduates organised by Tunde Onakoya at UNILAG, expressed shock over her death.

“Woke up to the news that Anissa passed away yesterday. I interviewed this SS warrior two years ago at the event Tunde organised with first class graduates at UNILAG. Seeing so many people talk about her in the comments now… man, it’s really sad,” the mourner wrote.

In a statement cited by PM News, the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria confirmed her passing.

The statement read in part:

“In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un.

With heavy hearts and complete submission to the will of Allah, we announce the passing of our dear sister, Anisa Ishaq-Balogun, who returned to her Lord during this blessed month of Ramadan.

The loss of a believer is always painful, and in this sacred month it reminds us even more of the reality of our return to Allah.”

The group prayed for Allah’s mercy upon her soul and strength for her family and loved ones.

Her Janazah prayer and burial were scheduled to take place on Thursday morning at Agege Cemetery.

Before her death, Anisa had once celebrated her academic success in a post that inspired many battling similar health conditions.

“Can we skip to the good part?.. B.Sc. Cell Biology and Genetics (4.82/5.00). Who says having sickle cell disease is a barrier to academic excellence? Definitely not me!” she wrote.