(PICS) UI Students Protest Over 82-Day Power Outage At UCH
Students of the University of Ibadan (UI) on Wednesday staged a peaceful protest over the prolonged power outage at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, which has lasted for an unprecedented 82 days.
The UCH, which serves as the teaching hospital for UI medical students, has reportedly been without electricity since March 2024 due to unpaid debts owed to the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC).
This is not the first time the hospital has faced such disconnection, as IBEDC had similarly cut off its power supply in November 2023 over outstanding bills.
The protest, led by the President of the University of Ibadan Students’ Union, Bolaji Aweda, saw students voicing their frustrations over the impact of the blackout on their academic activities and medical training.
Speaking during the protest, Aweda lamented the situation, stating, “We are protesting against this neglect. For 82 days, there has been no light at UCH due to the inability of the management to settle its electricity bills. This is unacceptable as it directly affects our students.”
Journalists present at the scene observed a strong turnout of students who expressed their grievances about the conditions at UCH.
They accused both the hospital management and IBEDC of insensitivity, noting that the lack of power supply has disrupted medical training and affected patient care.
“The hospital is in darkness, and our studies are being jeopardized,” one of the protesting students said.
“This is a teaching hospital where practical sessions are key to our education. How can we train without power?”
Reports indicate that IBEDC has insisted that UCH must settle its outstanding debt before power is restored.
However, the students argue that such prolonged disconnection is unacceptable for a critical institution like UCH, which serves as a healthcare and academic hub.
