Medical students at the University College Hospital (UCH) in Ibadan are set to resume protests today in response to the ongoing blackout affecting their residence halls. The demonstration comes after the recent power restoration in other parts of the hospital, leaving Alexander Brown Hall and Ayodele Falase Postgraduate Hall without electricity despite assurances from the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu.
In a statement titled “Notice of Comprehensive Continuous Protest,” the leadership of the University of Ibadan Students’ Union, represented by President Aweda Bolaji and General Secretary Ogundijo Dolapo, has called for students to gather at the UCH main gate at 7 a.m. to commence their protest.
Bolaji expressed the students’ determination to continue their demonstrations until power is fully restored to their halls, stating, “We consider the deliberate exclusion of our halls from the reconnection an act of injustice that must never stand.”
The unrest stems from a prolonged disconnection from power that has lasted over 100 days due to a substantial debt of N283 million owed to the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC). Although a meeting facilitated by Minister Adelabu on Tuesday led to promises of power restoration within 48 hours, the exclusion of student accommodations from this plan has ignited fresh outrage among the student body.
While clinical services, the College of Medicine, and commercial outlets at UCH have begun receiving electricity, students argue that their living conditions should not be overlooked. The renewed protests are expected to apply pressure on both the UCH management and IBEDC to honor governmental commitments for a complete restoration of power.
As tensions rise, students are united in their cause, emphasizing that their collective action will not cease until justice is served.
Stay tuned to Newspot Nigeria for more updates on this developing story.
