Lady with sickle cell passes away one year after earning a first-class degree from UNILAG
Nigerians on social media have been mourning the death of Anisa Ishaq-Balogun, a first-class graduate and advocate for people living with sickle cell disorder.
Her passing has stirred an outpouring of tributes from friends, colleagues, and admirers.
Anisa, who was known on X by the handle @Nerdy_neesah, reportedly passed away on Wednesday after battling sickle cell disease for several years.
Many people who followed her journey described her as a calm yet determined fighter who refused to allow her health condition limit her ambitions. Despite the challenges she faced, she excelled academically.
She graduated from the University of Lagos with a first-class degree in Cell Biology and Genetics, achieving an outstanding CGPA of 4.82 out of 5.00.
Her story had previously served as a source of inspiration to many young Nigerians living with sickle cell disorder, demonstrating that the condition does not define a person’s abilities or future.
One individual who had interviewed her two years ago during a gathering of first-class graduates organised by chess master Tunde Onakoya at UNILAG said he was shocked to hear about her passing.
“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, the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria confirmed the news of her death and offered prayers for Allah to grant her mercy while giving strength to her family and loved ones.
Her Janazah prayer and burial were scheduled for Thursday morning at Agege Cemetery.
“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.”
Before her death, Anisa had once shared a post celebrating her academic success, which encouraged many people facing similar health challenges.
“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 tweeted.
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