University of Ibadan Students’ Union Appeal to Federal Government of Nigeria over Blackout at University College Hospital (UCH)

 By: Sanni Juliet Oluwadarapupo 

On the 13th of January, 2024, The University of Ibadan Students’ Union, operating from Kunle Adepeju Building, released a letter to the Federal Government of Nigeria. The letter accentuated the deplorable state of the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan and other health facilities in Nigeria, due to the persistent power outages.

The letter stated that, The University College Hospital (UCH), has been experiencing blackout for over two consecutive months. It emphasized the negative impact of this plight and how it is affecting the students-doctors in Alexander Brown Hall, who are studying at the University Teaching Hospital. “The lack of electricity makes it nearly impossible for these students to assimilate their lectures and gain hands-on experience in clinical practice. This situation is not only detrimental to their education but also undermines the critical task of preparing them to bolster Nigeria’s struggling healthcare system”.

It was also noted that the inception of this issue can be traced to the price reform policy introduced by the Ministry of Power, in April 2024, which resulted in an increase in the cost of electricity. They hold that the policy is anti-people as it affects the poor and vulnerable.

The letter, signed by the President of The Students’ Union, Aweda Bolaji and General Secretary, Ogundijo, Dolapo Japheth, issued the Federal Government, a 7-day ultimatum to address the pressing issue. It indicates that, failure to act within the fixed time, will lead to the mobilization and protest against the government’s continued neglect.

The Students’ Union called for immediate intervention over the issue emphasizing that healthcare should not be commercialized and must remain within the reach of the common man.