Medical students at the University of Ibadan (UI) have taken to the streets in protest against the ongoing power outage that has lasted for 100 days at the University College Hospital (UCH), a vital healthcare institution in Ibadan. The students have voiced their concerns regarding the severe impact the prolonged power disruption is having on their education, as well as the safety and quality of patient care at the hospital.
The protest, which began on February 9, 2025, has seen a significant turnout of students from the medical faculty, calling for immediate action from the hospital's administration, the university, and the government to restore power. Medical students have expressed that the power outage has disrupted critical practical training, affecting laboratories, medical equipment, and their ability to observe and participate in medical procedures. The lack of power has also affected the hospital's emergency services, leading to growing concerns about patient welfare.
“We are not just protesting for our own education, but for the lives of the patients who depend on the services provided by UCH,” said a spokesperson for the protesting students. “The power outage has rendered essential medical equipment non-functional, which is putting lives at risk. As future healthcare providers, we cannot stand by and allow this to continue.”
The protestors have issued a list of demands, including the immediate restoration of power to the hospital, installation of a reliable backup power system, and transparent communication from the hospital management regarding measures to prevent such disruptions in the future. They have also called for a formal investigation into the causes of the outage and the accountability of the relevant authorities.
The University College Hospital, one of the oldest and most renowned hospitals in Nigeria, plays a crucial role in both education and healthcare delivery. The students argue that the current situation undermines the hospital’s credibility and its capacity to deliver quality healthcare services to the people of Ibadan and surrounding areas.