Tributes Pour In for Unilag’s First Class Graduate Who Succumbed to Sickle Cell Anaemia

She fought pain… and still finished first. Now Nigeria mourns a rare gem.

Tributes are pouring in for Anisa Ishaq-Balogun, a brilliant young woman who lived with Sickle Cell Disease and still graduated with a first-class degree in Cell Biology and Genetics from University of Lagos.

Anisa reportedly passed away on Wednesday after years of battling the condition that tried—yet failed—to dim her light.

Despite countless health challenges, she achieved an outstanding CGPA of 4.82/5.00, proving that determination can defy even the toughest odds.

Known on X as @Nerdy_neesah, she didn’t just chase excellence—she inspired it.

Through her posts, she encouraged others living with sickle cell not to let their condition define or limit their dreams.

Her story is not just one of loss… but of resilience, courage, and purpose.

From academic excellence to becoming a beacon of hope, Anisa’s life reminds us that greatness is not measured by how long we live—but by how deeply we impact others.

She has taken her final rest, but her legacy will continue to speak.

Rest in peace, Anisa. You fought. You won. You inspired.