Students’ Group Slams Tinubu’s Govt Over 100 Days Of Blackout At UCH
The Concerned Students’ Movement, University of Ibadan, has slammed the administration of President Bola Tinubu for gross failure to address the prolonged blackout at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan.
In a statement on Sunday titled “100 Days of Darkness,” signed by its Coordinator, Aduwo Ayodele, the group accused the government of being “anti-people” and having disregard for the welfare of Nigerians.
The students’ movement also criticised the University of Ibadan administration, led by Professor Kayode Adebowale, for its silence and hesitation to engage with students affected by the blackout.
OSUN DEFENDER reports that the blackout follows the disconnection of the hospital from the national grid by the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) over an outstanding debt of ₦495 million.
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Reacting to the prolonged lack of electricity, the group called on staff and labour unions to take decisive action to prevail upon the government to address the issue.
The group’s statement reads: “Without electricity, modern healthcare services are severely compromised, putting lives at risk. Life-saving medical equipment, effective patient care, and the smooth operation of healthcare facilities are currently all under great compromise. It is, without equivocation, unfortunate that this has to be reiterated, over and again.
“As a movement, we strongly urge the University of Ibadan students to take a firmer stance on the UCH healthcare crisis.
“As provided for in the University of Ibadan Students’ Union constitution, we call on the student community to initiate conscious-driven campaigns to prevail over the Federal Government’s negligence.
“We implore the leadership of the Students’ Union to convene an emergency Congress, where mass-based student support can be mobilized to prevail over the Federal Government.
“We warn against and reject the false dichotomy between the blackout at UCH and the inadequate power supply on the main campus. Students must recognize that both are symptoms of a broader systemic failure.”
“We call on staff and labour unions like ASUU, NASU, SSANU, NAAT, NLC, TUC and JAF to equally make decisive grandstanding towards prevailing on the Government,” the group added.
Olamilekan Adigun is a graduate of Mass Communication with years of experience in journalism embedded in uncovering human interest stories. He also prioritises accuracy and factual reportage of issues.
