UCH College of Medicine Students Decry Blackout, Demand Immediate Solution.

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Students at the College of Medicine at the University College Hospital staged a peaceful protest on Wednesday, demanding an end to the persistent blackout that has plagued the hospital for over 82 days. 

The protest, supported by the Students Union of the University of Ibadan, began at 7:00 a.m. and was led by Bolaji Aweda, who emphasized that the demonstration became necessary after a seven-day ultimatum to the management of both UI and UCH expired.

According to Aweda, the prolonged blackout has severely impacted the living conditions and academic performance of students, making it impossible for them to function effectively. He alleged a power play among stakeholders and demanded immediate action, saying,

“Our demand is the immediate restoration of power to UCH and other hospitals currently facing a similar situation. We desire the implementation of the 50 percent electricity tariff discount announced by the Ministry of Power in August 2024 and the reform of the health sector in Nigeria.

Tobiloba Samuel, a former student leader, noted that the new policy in the power sector has made electricity unaffordable for educational and health institutions. 

He revealed that the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company has demanded payment of half of the N3.78 million owed before reconnecting the hospital. Samuel urged the Ministry of Education and the federal government to intervene, saying, 

“We are calling on the ministry of education, which plays a regulatory role in the sector, to act. We are calling on the federal government and other stakeholders, not only to save UCH, but other educational and health institutions in similar situations.”

The protest was peaceful, with security officers present to maintain order. However, the UCH Joint Health Sector Union chairman, Oladayo Olabampe, claimed that the union was unaware of the protest and that no union in UCH was involved. 

The students, dressed in black tops, proceeded to the University of Ibadan after the protest.

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