Students of the University of Ibadan on Wednesday staged a peaceful demonstration to protest an 81-day electricity blackout at the University College Hospital, Ibadan.
The protest, organized by the UI Students’ Union, followed the expiration of a 7-day ultimatum given to the federal government to resolve the issue.
The students, led by the Union’s president, Aweda Bolaji, gathered at the main gate of UCH at 7 a.m. before marching to the Secretariat to express their grievances.
In a statement, Aweda emphasized the importance of standing in solidarity with students residing in the affected Alexander Brown Hall and Ayodele Falase Postgraduate Hall.
“As an act of solidarity with our fellow students in Alexander Brown Hall and Ayodele Falase Postgraduate Hall, who have endured a blackout for 81 days now, we are calling for immediate action,” Aweda said.
The students’ demands include:
1. Immediate restoration of power to UCH and other healthcare facilities facing similar challenges across Nigeria.
2. Implementation of the Federal Government’s 50% power subsidy for healthcare facilities and tertiary institutions.
3. Reform of the healthcare sector to ensure quality service delivery.
In a circular addressed to students before the protest, Aweda highlighted the impact of the blackout on healthcare services and academic activities.
“As you may know, today marks 81 days of blackout at the University College Hospital, including Alexander Brown Hall and Ayodele Falase Postgraduate Hall, which house members of our union,” Aweda stated.
“This demonstration is against the neglect of the healthcare sector by the federal government of Nigeria. It is our duty to demand better for the sake of quality healthcare and the wellbeing of students and staff.”
The peaceful protest aimed to draw the government’s attention to the dire situation at UCH and push for urgent solutions.
The students urged authorities to prioritize the restoration of power to healthcare institutions nationwide, noting the critical role electricity plays in providing quality healthcare and enabling effective learning in medical facilities.
The Students’ Union also reiterated the peaceful nature of the demonstration, warning participants to remain orderly. Aweda stated, “This protest is peaceful, and anyone attempting to disrupt our cause will be handed over to security operatives.”
The ongoing electricity crisis at the University College Hospital has been a major issue for over a year, largely due to the hospital’s unpaid electricity bills. The Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company claims that UCH owes approximately ₦495 million, a debt that has led to multiple disconnections.
The latest disruption began in November 2024 when IBEDC cut off UCH’s electricity supply for 20 days, severely affecting hospital services. Critical medical procedures, such as surgeries and diagnostic tests, were delayed or canceled, prompting protests from patients and their families.
This financial crisis, compounded by disagreements over the exact amount owed, has made consistent power supply a challenge for the hospital. The blackout has not only affected medical operations but also extended to the student hostels, where residents have endured harsh living conditions for 81 days.
Students have expressed frustration over the situation, highlighting how the lack of electricity has disrupted their routines and academic pursuits.
The Union emphasized that their demands, including the restoration of power and implementation of the promised electricity subsidy, are crucial for the well-being of everyone at UCH.
