Medical students at the University College Hospital (UCH) in Ibadan have taken to the streets in protest over a prolonged power outage that has lasted for 106 days. The students, who have been struggling with poor living and study conditions, expressed their frustration over the lack of electricity, which has severely affected their academic activities and general well-being.
The protesters, carrying placards and chanting slogans, demanded immediate intervention from the hospital management and the government. According to them, the prolonged power failure has disrupted laboratory experiments, medical research, and essential hospital services, putting both students and patients at risk. The situation has been particularly challenging for those in clinical training, as they rely heavily on functional electricity to conduct practical sessions and attend to patients.
Students lamented that alternative power sources, such as generators, have been unreliable due to fuel scarcity and the high cost of maintenance. Many have resorted to studying under extreme conditions, using phone flashlights and rechargeable lamps, which have proven inadequate. Others reported that the lack of electricity has made hostel accommodations unbearable, especially with the intense heat and lack of water supply, which is dependent on electric-powered pumps.
Hospital officials have acknowledged the crisis but cited financial constraints and issues with the power distribution company as reasons for the prolonged outage. Despite repeated complaints, no lasting solution has been implemented, leaving students and healthcare workers in a difficult situation.
Public outcry has intensified as concerns grow over the impact of the power outage on patient care and medical training. Many fear that if the issue is not addressed urgently, it could lead to a decline in the quality of healthcare services provided at UCH, one of Nigeria’s top teaching hospitals.
Students have vowed to continue their protests until tangible solutions are implemented. They have called on the federal government, the Ministry of Health, and relevant stakeholders to intervene and restore electricity to the institution without further delay.
