BREAKING: UI Students Take to the Streets Over 82-Day Blackout at UCH

This morning, students from the University of Ibadan (UI) hit the streets for a peaceful protest. Their beef? A whopping 82 days of total blackout at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan. As you probably know, UCH is where UI medical students get trained, so this issue hits them close to home.

Here’s the backstory: UCH has been struggling with electricity for a while like, over a year. Why? Debts. The hospital reportedly owes a serious amount of money to the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC). Things got messy when IBEDC pulled the plug back in March 2024, cutting off UCH completely. And guess what? This isn’t the first time. The hospital was also disconnected in November 2023 for the same reason.

To make matters worse, it’s been almost three months, and there’s still no light at the end of the tunnel. IBEDC has clarified that it won’t restore power until UCH clears its bills.

But here’s where the story gets even more enjoyable. The protest was led by Bolaji Aweda, President of the Students’ Union (SU). Bolaji, alongside the students, said they’re tired of being left in the dark, literally and figuratively. In his words:

“For 82 days, there’s been no light at UCH because UCH hasn’t paid its electricity bills. Our students are directly affected, and we’re here to say enough is enough!”

The energy at the protest was unmatched! Students carried banners, chanted slogans, and ensured their voices were heard loudly and clearly. Their message? They’re not backing down until this situation gets sorted.

Honestly, it’s wild to think about a top teaching hospital like UCH being plunged into darkness for this long. It’s not just about the students—it’s also about the patients, staff, and the entire system being impacted.