Students of the University of Ibadan College of Medicine on Monday staged a protest during the visit of the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, to the University College Hospital (UCH) over a prolonged power outage that has lasted more than 100 days.

The students, who expressed their frustration over the lingering blackout, blocked the minister’s convoy, demanding an immediate solution to the crisis.

Holding placards with inscriptions such as “We are tired of 100 days of darkness; Save UCH,” they insisted that the government must restore electricity to the teaching hospital to prevent further disruption of their academic and clinical activities.

During the protest, Adelabu, alongside officials of the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC), met with the students and hospital management. Student Union President, Bolaji Aweda, reiterated their demands, calling for:

Immediate power restoration to UCH.

Implementation of the 50% electricity waiver promised to tertiary healthcare institutions.

Urgent reform in the health sector to prevent future occurrences.

In his response, the minister acknowledged the grievances and assured the students that the federal government and UCH management were working to resolve the crisis. He promised a permanent solution, stating that IBEDC would soon reconnect the institution to the national grid.

UCH was disconnected from power supply by IBEDC on October 27, 2024, due to accumulated debts, leaving students, staff, and patients in distress.