The University of Ibadan Medical Students studying in the University College Hospital (UCH),today embarked on another protest to challenge Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company’s disconnection of power in their hostels
Some representatives of the medical students, expressed regrets over the development despite payment of tuition fees.
Besides,the University of Ibadan Students’ Union,in a statement condemned the action of the UCH management.
A copy of the statement co-signed by the President of the Union, Aweda Bolaji President; General Secretary Ogungbo Bolapo Japheth,quoted the students as rejecting the partial power restoration at UCH.
It stated: “It has come to our attention that, despite the concessions made to restore electricity to the University College Hospital (UCH) within 48 hours following our meeting with the Minister of Power, there is a deliberate attempt to reconnect power selectively excluding hostel accommodations for our student-doctors, including Alexander Brown Hall and Ayodele Falase Hall.
“The University of Ibadan Students’ Union unequivocally condemns this underhanded tactic. Any reconnection that does not include the hostels of students residing within UCH is entirely unacceptable and falls short of our demands.
“Our position remains clear full restoration of electricity to the entire UCH, particularly the hostels where our members reside. We state that failure to restore light to the halls within the stipulated timeline will lead to the student mass action against Federal Government of Nigeria, IBEDC and University College Hospital (UCH).
“We strongly urge the Minister of Power to abandon this malicious approach and ensure the complete restoration of electricity without further delay. The students’ have resolved to commence mass action beginning on Thursday, 13th February, 2025 by 7:00am if there is no power restoration in our Halls of residence.
Reacting,the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company emphasized the recent successful intervention of the Honorable Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, and the agreements reached by both parties regarding the UCH disconnection issue.
It added:”The IBEDC has reconnected the clinical services section of UCH within the agreed 48-hour timeframe. We are now awaiting further directives from the management of UCH regarding the reconnection of other sections.”