A 23-year-old Nigerian final-year medical graduate of the Kharkiv National Medical University, Nnani Adaobi Marian, has passed away in Germany following severe injuries sustained during a Russian airstrike in Kharkiv, Ukraine.
The incident, which occurred on 29 June 2026, involved Nnani and her close friend, 23-year-old Fatima Huseynova.
The two were reportedly on their way to a graduation photoshoot the day before they were set to receive their diplomas when Russian forces dropped aerial bombs on the Kholodnohirskyi district of Kharkiv.
While Fatima was killed on the same day, Nnani was initially rescued and transported to a hospital in Germany for treatment.
Kateryna Bohuslavska, known as “Kate from Kharkiv,” confirmed the news on Monday, stating, “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.”
According to reports, the attack resulted in catastrophic injuries for Nnani, including burns to 90% of her body, airway damage, the loss of an eye, and shrapnel wounds, which ultimately led to the amputation of a leg.
In a press statement titled “In memory of Nnani Adaobi Marian,” the university mourned their student: “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.”
Highlighting her academic journey, the institution noted: “Adaobi Marian entered Kharkiv National Medical University in 2020. Over the years of study, she has proven herself as a capable, responsible and persistent student who studied conscientiously and demonstrated high academic results.”
The university also emphasized her dedication to professional growth, citing her international internships at the University of Cambridge in 2024 and at Biruni University in Turkey in 2025.
Describing her character, the statement added, “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.”
Key details about Nnani Adaobi Marian:
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She was born on 24 April 2003.
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She passed away on 5 July 2026 in a German hospital.
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She began her medical studies in 2020 and successfully completed her degree requirements in 2026.
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She was an accomplished student, having completed prestigious internships in the UK and Turkey.
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The university remembers her as a compassionate and exceptionally bright individual who was a vital part of their academic community.
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