The Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC), has said that it’s still awaiting directive from the management of the University College Hospital (UCH), following the successful restoration of power to the clinical services section of the hospital after the intervention of the Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu.
The reconnection, according to the power company, was achieved within the promised 48-hour timeframe, addressing a significant disruption in the hospital services.
In a statement made available to Vanguard on Thursday, IBEDC said the guidance from UCH management will be essential for determining the next steps in restoring power to additional sections of the hospital.
“IBEDC remains committed to ensuring a reliable power supply and is prepared to collaborate closely with UCH for further reconnections. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available,” the statement said.
Recall that students of the UCH, had earlier in the week, protested against the prolonged power outage which had lasted for more than three months.
The Minister of Power, Adelabu, alongside the Chief Medical Director, CMD of the hospital, Professor Jesse Otegbayo and other top management staff, addressed the protesting students, assuring that issues surrounding the disconnection had been resolved with IBEDC, and that power would be restored within 48-hours.
Meanwhile, the University of Ibadan Students Union Government (SUG), had earlier threatened protest action against the federal government, UCH, and IBEDC if power was not fully restored to all sections of the hospital.
They alleged of deliberate attempt to reconnect power selectively excluding hostel accommodations for student-doctors as well as Alexander Brown Hall and Ayodele Falase Hall.
A statement obtained by Vanguard fron the UI SUG read: “Our position remains clear full restoration of electricity to the entire UCH, particalarly 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),” the statement said.