The College of Medicine students of the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, took to the streets early Wednesday morning to stage a peaceful protest over an 82-day power outage that has crippled their studies, disrupted hospital activities, and worsened living conditions.
The protest, which began at 7 a.m., was supported by the Students’ Union of the University of Ibadan (UI), with placards bearing inscriptions that conveyed their frustrations and demands.
Leading the charge was the UI Students’ Union President, Bolaji Aweda, who described the protest as a last resort after a seven-day ultimatum issued to the management of both UCH and UI expired without any resolution.
Aweda didn’t mince words: “This blackout has gone on for 82 days. Students can’t study, sleep, or function properly. We’ve had enough. Our demand is simple—immediate restoration of power at UCH and other hospitals facing the same crisis.”
He added that the protest was not just about UCH but also about a failing system. “The Ministry of Power announced a 50% electricity tariff discount back in August 2024, but where is it? If the foremost healthcare hospital in Nigeria is in this terrible state, imagine what other institutions across the country must be enduring.”
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The lack of electricity has deeply impacted both students and patients at UCH, Nigeria’s premier healthcare facility. Students are unable to conduct essential studies or research, while patients and staff are left grappling with the harsh realities of medical care in the dark.
Former UI Students’ Union President, Tobiloba Samuel, revealed that students had tried every avenue to resolve the issue. “We’ve engaged with UCH and UI management in consultations, but nothing has come of it. This isn’t just about UCH—it’s about a failing system that prioritizes policies over people.”
Samuel pointed to a policy shift in the power sector as a root cause. “Electricity is now unaffordable for educational and health institutions. The Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) is demanding half of the N3.78 million debt before they restore power. How do they expect an already cash-strapped hospital to pay?”
The students are calling on the Federal Government, the Ministry of Education, and all relevant stakeholders to intervene immediately.
Samuel stressed that this crisis was not unique to UCH. “If we don’t act now, this will be the story of every educational and healthcare institution in Nigeria. We need reform in the power sector and a commitment to affordable electricity for critical sectors.”