In a significant development, the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) has committed to restoring electricity supply to the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, within the next 48 hours. This decision was announced on Monday during a high-level visit by the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, to the hospital. The move comes after months of power crises that have plagued the institution, severely impacting its operations.
The resolution was reached during a tripartite meeting involving the Minister of Power, the Chief Medical Director of UCH, Professor Jesse Otegbayo, and the management team of IBEDC, led by its Managing Director, Francis Agoha. The meeting addressed the longstanding power issues that have left the hospital in darkness for extended periods, a situation described by the Minister as “embarrassing” not only to the hospital’s management but also to the Federal Government.
Minister Adelabu emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, “The power crisis at UCH has reached an embarrassing level. It is unacceptable for a critical healthcare institution to remain in darkness for so long. While I have intervened multiple times, the problem persisted. However, today, we have reached a resolution that will bring immediate relief and a long-term solution.”
As part of the agreement, IBEDC will restore power to key sections of the hospital within 48 hours. Additionally, the Federal Government has pledged to install a 50 MW solar mini-grid at the University of Ibadan and the College of Medicine, a project expected to be completed within the first and second quarters of the year. This initiative mirrors successful interventions at other teaching hospitals, including the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), and others.
Furthermore, the UCH management has agreed to settle its outstanding debt of N283 million on an installment basis over 8 to 12 months, in addition to ensuring timely payment of current electricity bills.
The Minister’s visit was not without tension, as medical students staged a protest near the meeting venue, highlighting the urgency of resolving the power crisis. The students’ demonstration underscored the critical need for reliable electricity to support the hospital’s life-saving services.
This development marks a turning point in the ongoing power challenges at UCH, offering hope for improved operations and better healthcare delivery. The Federal Government’s commitment to renewable energy solutions also signals a proactive approach to addressing power deficits in critical institutions across the country.
