The University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan has been grappling with persistent power outages for over two weeks due to an unpaid electricity bill, estimated at N400 million.
The disconnection by the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) on October 26 has severely disrupted hospital operations.
In a statement released on social media, UCH management confirmed the disconnection, citing an accumulated debt of approximately N3.1 billion owed to IBEDC since 2019. “This power disconnection has resulted in our inability to effectively meet our hospital’s mandate to our esteemed patients,” said Funmi Adetuyibi, UCH’s spokesperson.
The power loss has sparked widespread frustration among patients and hospital staff. On Monday, families of patients protested outside the hospital, voicing concerns over delayed test results and inadequate care.
UCH’s staff, represented by the Joint Action Committee (JAC), has also expressed discontent, recalling a similar 16-day blackout in March that led to worker protests.
“The hospital is struggling financially, with monthly electricity bills ranging between N50 million and N60 million,’ an anonymous source within the hospital’s works department revealed that the facility is “running at a huge loss.”
To mitigate the crisis, UCH has relied on backup generators, solar panels, and mini solar bulbs in critical areas. “We prioritise patient care and safety above all. Our dedicated staff are working tirelessly to ensure minimal disruption to services,” UCH management reassured.
IBEDC spokesperson Busolami Tunwase in a statement confirmed the disconnection, explaining that the hospital had failed to honour its payment commitments. “As much as we sympathise with the hospital, we are under pressure to meet our financial obligations,” Tunwase said.
