The University College Hospital (UCH) in Ibadan, which has long served as a cornerstone of healthcare in the region, is now facing the threat of an indefinite strike by its resident doctors over a persistent power outage crisis. The Association of Resident Doctors (ARD), UCH Chapter, has issued a firm ultimatum to the hospital management, demanding that power be restored to all residential areas of the hospital complex by Monday, February 17, 2025.
In a statement following an emergency meeting on February 14, 2025, the ARD leadership revealed that despite the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) reconnecting the main hospital on February 12, the residential areas housing medical professionals and staff had been left without power for over 100 days. The lack of electricity in critical areas such as the East Gate and Circular Road surrounding the College of Medicine poses significant risks to both the safety and the wellbeing of those working tirelessly to serve the healthcare needs of the public.
“This is a grave situation,” said Dr. Gboyega Ajibola, the ARD President, in a statement shared with the media. “We have been patient for over 100 days, trying every possible avenue to engage with the management to resolve this issue. But now, our concerns have reached a boiling point.”
The hospital’s management has yet to fully address the power outage, despite the residential areas having prepaid meters with accumulated credits worth hundreds of thousands of naira. Residents, many of whom work long shifts and are on call throughout the night, have been left without basic amenities such as lighting, refrigeration, and reliable communication, all of which are essential for both their personal and professional lives.
According to the communiqué from the ARD, which was signed by both Dr. Ajibola and Dr. Uthman Adedeji, the General Secretary, all efforts to restore power to the affected areas have so far been unsuccessful. “The residential areas are vital for the well-being of those who sacrifice their time and health for the good of the hospital and the people we serve. We cannot continue to work in these inhumane conditions,” stated Dr. Adedeji.
The ARD’s emergency congress, convened as a result of the ongoing crisis, demanded that the power be restored no later than 4 p.m. on Monday, February 17, or face the consequences of an indefinite strike. “Failure to meet this deadline will force us to take drastic action. We are not only calling for power to be restored but also for an inclusive dialogue with hospital management to ensure this issue is fully addressed moving forward,” the communiqué further stated.
The prospect of a strike by resident doctors, whose members often provide essential services in hospitals, raises concerns over the potential collapse of essential healthcare services in the institution, which serves as one of the main referral centers for several states in the southwest region of Nigeria.
In their meeting, the ARD also underscored the need for better management and coordination in handling the electrical supply situation within the hospital. “We have called for the unbundling of the hospital’s electrical power blocks to promote better service delivery,” Dr. Ajibola explained. “The leadership of ARD must also be included in discussions and meetings that concern power supply in the hospital.”
The ARD has also emphasized that in addition to the power issue, other matters of urgent concern, such as the payment of the 75 percent accoutrement allowance for 2024, should be prioritized. “Resident doctors have shown remarkable patience and goodwill in the past 100 days despite the ongoing power crisis. It is only fair that the hospital management reciprocates by resolving these pressing issues,” added Dr. Ajibola.
In response to the current situation, the ARD has called on UCH’s Chief Medical Director (CMD), Professor Jesse Otegbayo, to address these issues swiftly. “We urge Prof. Otegbayo to act immediately to ensure the welfare of our members. The restoration of power is crucial not only for our physical and mental well-being but also for the safety of patients who rely on our services,” said Dr. Adedeji.
Meanwhile, in addition to the critical demand for power restoration, the ARD also called for the continuation of the ‘call food’ provision for resident doctors. This provision has been a lifeline for doctors working overnight shifts and has significantly contributed to their ability to perform in the challenging environment of the hospital.
The power outage at UCH is not an isolated incident, as many public hospitals across Nigeria face similar infrastructural challenges. The lack of consistent electricity is a major barrier to effective healthcare delivery in many parts of the country. For UCH, a key institution in the national health system, this problem poses a direct threat to its ability to function at full capacity.
The threat of a strike is just the latest challenge for the hospital, which is also dealing with shortages of medical supplies, understaffing, and growing concerns about the general welfare of medical professionals working under increasingly difficult conditions. The hospital, one of the largest public health institutions in Nigeria, has long been a training ground for doctors and healthcare professionals who go on to serve across the country.
“The strike is not just about us, it’s about the patients we serve,” said Dr. Ajibola, emphasizing the need for urgent action from the hospital’s management. “If we don’t take a stand now, the quality of care at UCH will only continue to deteriorate.”
The ARD has made it clear that if the power situation is not resolved by the specified deadline, the strike will commence immediately. Residents have expressed their frustration and disappointment with the lack of action from the hospital’s administration, and the ongoing power crisis has only worsened relations between the staff and management.
As the deadline approaches, there is still no official word from UCH management regarding the restoration of power to the affected residential areas. The hospital administration’s failure to meet the demands of the resident doctors could lead to a disruption of medical services, which would significantly impact the care of patients at one of Nigeria’s largest and most important healthcare facilities.
