Fidelia Soriwei, Abuja
A 23-year-old final-year medical student, Nnani Adaobi Marian, has died after sustaining severe injuries during a Russian airstrike in Kharkiv, Ukraine, days before her graduation from medical school.
Adaobi, a student of Kharkiv National Medical University, was reportedly wounded on June 29 when aerial bombs struck the Kholodnohirskyi district of Kharkiv. She later died in Germany, where she had been transferred for specialised medical treatment.
The development was disclosed by Kateryna Bohuslavska, popularly known as “Kate from Kharkiv,” who has regularly shared updates on the Russia-Ukraine war.
In a post on X, Bohuslavska said, “Nnani Adaobi Marian, a 23-year-old who was injured during a Russian strike on Kharkiv, has passed away in Germany.
“The graduate of the Kharkiv National Medical University sustained severe injuries on June 29 during a guided aerial bomb attack on Kharkiv. Medical professionals in both Kharkiv and Germany fought to save her life, but unfortunately, she succumbed to her injuries.
“She was a close friend of 23-year-old Fatima Huseynova, who was killed on the same day during the attack. They were both in Kharkiv for their graduation ceremony at Medical University. They had their whole life ahead of them.”
According to reports, Adaobi and Huseynova were on their way to a graduation photoshoot when the attack occurred, just a day before they were expected to receive their diplomas.
Paying tribute to the deceased, Kharkiv National Medical University described her as an outstanding student who demonstrated academic excellence and a strong commitment to medicine throughout her studies.
“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 the doctors’ efforts, they could not save her,” the university said.
The institution noted that Adaobi enrolled in the university in 2020 and participated in international academic programmes, including internships at the University of Cambridge in 2024 and Biruni University in Turkey in 2025.
“Nnani Adaobi Marian was a bright, sincere and friendly person, easily finding common ground with people, distinguished by her thirst for knowledge, hard work and sincere desire to help others,” the university added.
The university extended condolences to her family, friends and classmates, describing her as a talented student whose memory would remain part of the institution’s history.
Adaobi, born on April 24, 2003, was due to graduate in 2026.
