Nigerian Student Killed In Russian Airstrike Days Before Graduation in Ukraine

A 23-year-old Nigerian medical student, Nnani Adaobi Marian, has died after suffering serious injuries in a Russian airstrike in Kharkiv, Ukraine, just days before she was due to graduate from medical school.

According to reports, the attack took place on June 29 when Russian forces launched aerial bombs on the Kholodnohirskyi district of Kharkiv.

The strikes reportedly killed 14 people across the Dnipropetrovsk, Zaporizhzhia and Kharkiv regions, while 98 others were injured.

In a statement on Sunday, Kharkiv National Medical University confirmed Marian’s death, saying she was critically injured during the bombing.

The university said doctors in both Kharkiv and Germany worked tirelessly to save her life, but she later died from her injuries.

“As a result of enemy shelling, Nnani Adaobi Marian was seriously injured. Doctors fought for her life until the last moment: first in Kharkiv, and later in Germany.

“Everyone sympathised, helped, and hoped for her recovery, but, unfortunately, despite all the efforts of the doctors, they could not save her,” the university said.

The institution described Marian as an outstanding student who enrolled in 2020.

It said she was known for her dedication, strong academic performance and commitment to becoming a medical professional.

The university also highlighted her participation in international training programmes, including internships at the University of Cambridge in 2024 and Biruni University in 2025, where she gained additional medical experience and took part in research activities.

Paying tribute to the late student, the university described her as intelligent, compassionate and hardworking, adding that she was always eager to learn and willing to help others.

“Nnani Adaobi Marian was a bright, sincere and kind-hearted person. She easily found common ground with people and was distinguished by her thirst for knowledge, hard work and sincere desire to help others,” the statement reads.

Reports said Marian was travelling with her friend, Fatima Huseynova, for a graduation photo session when the airstrike happened.

Both students were expected to receive their medical degrees the following day.

Fatima lost her life at the scene, while Marian was rushed to hospital in critical condition before later passing away.

One of the bombs reportedly exploded on a road in Kharkiv’s Kholodnohirskyi district, leaving 12 other people injured.

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