UI Students Protest 82-Days Power Outage at UCH
Students from the University of Ibadan (UI), Oyo State, have taken to the streets in a peaceful demonstration against the prolonged power outage at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan. The outage, which has persisted for 82 days, has disrupted activities at the teaching hospital where medical students from UI undergo training.
Reports indicate that the power supply issues stem from debts owed by UCH to the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC). According to sources, IBEDC disconnected UCH’s electricity in March 2024 due to unpaid bills. A similar disconnection occurred in November 2023, highlighting the hospital’s ongoing struggle to meet its financial obligations. Despite these events, power has yet to be restored, leaving the hospital in darkness.
The protest, which took place early Wednesday morning, was organised by the Students’ Union (SU) of the University of Ibadan. Bolaji Aweda, the president of the SU, led the procession. Speaking to reporters, Aweda emphasised the students’ frustration and the impact of the outage on their academic and clinical activities.
“We are protesting against what is happening. And, of course, our students are affected,” Aweda stated. “For 82 days, there has been no light at UCH, and this is due to the inability of UCH to pay its electricity bill to IBEDC. IBEDC has demanded that UCH settle its debt before they will restore power.”
The lack of electricity has posed significant challenges to medical training and healthcare delivery at UCH, a key institution for health services and education in the region. Students and staff have expressed concern about the disruption to their studies and the hospital’s ability to deliver quality care in the absence of power.
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Photos from the protest reveal a large turnout, with students holding placards and chanting slogans to express their grievances. The peaceful nature of the demonstration reflects the students’ commitment to seeking resolution through dialogue and awareness.
This ongoing situation has sparked broader conversations about the funding and management of public institutions in Nigeria. Observers have called for urgent government intervention to address the debt crisis and ensure that critical facilities like UCH are adequately supported to prevent future occurrences.
As of now, IBEDC has maintained its stance that the hospital must clear its outstanding debts before power can be restored. Meanwhile, students and stakeholders await a resolution that will enable the resumption of normal activities at UCH.
The protest underscores the urgent need for sustainable solutions to the financial challenges facing public institutions, as the impact of such crises extends beyond infrastructure to the education and well-being of those they serve.
Content Credit| Oyedepo Oluwafifedoyinsola Precious
Picture Credit | https://www.intelregion.com/
