By Alade Adisa
The National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, has called for immediate resolution of the face-off between the management of the University College Hospital, UCH, Ibadan and the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company, IBEDC, over N3.1 billion debts.
The student body notes that the development, which has led to the disconnection of power supply to the teaching hospital, is not only endangering the lives of patients, but also jeopardizing the training of medical personnel.
In a statement by the Clerk of the Senate, Comrade Oladimeji Uthman, yesterday, NANS called on the Ministers of Health and Power to intervene in the matter and find a lasting solution to it.
“The national leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has observed with grave concern the ongoing crisis between the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) and the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan. “This development has had dire consequences, affecting critical healthcare services and the academics of students.
“The disconnection of UCH’s power supply on October 26, 2024, due to an outstanding debt of approximately N400 million—a fraction of an accumulated bill of N3.1 billion since 2019, has led to significant disruption in patient care, research, and training at the institution despite that the health institution made payment of N2.9 billion at the same year.
“The situation has escalated to the point where patients, families, and staff are facing avoidable hardships, including postponed test results, canceled surgeries, and reliance on flashlights in various wards at the hospital.
“The inability of UCH to deliver on its mandate as a leading healthcare institution jeopardizes the lives of patients and the future of students undergoing training at the hospital. NANS strongly believes that this issue demands urgent and humane resolution. We hereby call on the Minister of Power and his counterpart at the Ministry of Health to find a lasting solution to this lingering crisis.
“To ensure that University College Hospital (UCH) Ibadan continues to function effectively while addressing the legitimate concerns of IBEDC, the following are our demands: Reclassification of UCH’s Tariff Structure.
“IBEDC should cease charging UCH under an industrial tariff structure. UCH is not a profit-making industry but a public health institution that renders essential services. The hospital’s tariff classification must reflect its non-commercial status to alleviate its financial burden.
“Proper Meter Placement: IBEDC should install UCH’s meter after their transformer. The current placement of the meter before the transformer leads to inflated readings, forcing the hospital to pay for unused energy. This technical adjustment will ensure fair billing practices and prevent further financial strain on UCH.
“Return to Band B Tariff Classification: The University College Hospital (UCH) should be removed from Band A and reassigned to Band B, which is more affordable and sustainable for the health institution. This reclassification will enable the hospital to meet her obligations without compromising on the quality of care provided to patients.
“Compliance with NERC Regulations on Life-Saving Machines: The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) explicitly prohibits the disconnection of electricity to facilities that house life-saving machines. IBEDC must strictly adhere to this regulation and put a halt to disconnection of power at UCH to prevent further endangerment of lives.
“While we acknowledge IBEDC’s financial obligations, we would like to remind all stakeholders that healthcare institutions like University College Hospital (UCH) are critical to the survival and well-being of the populace. The disconnection between profit-driven decisions and public health necessities must be bridged with empathy and pragmatism.
“We hereby call on he management of the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) to urgently engage with the hospital management and implement the above-listed demands in order to end the timely crises.
“The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan should pay the university’s portion of the indebtedness of UCH to IBEDC for power supply to the College of Medicine, Alexander Brown Hall and Professor Ayodele Falase Postgraduate Hall that are situated within UCH premises.
“The Federal Ministry of Power and Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to intervene and ensure compliance with regulations governing electricity distribution to critical infrastructure and institutions.
“As the voice of Nigerian students, we stand in solidarity with the medical students of the University of Ibadan, as well as the patients who rely on quality healthcare services of the hospital. NANS will continue to monitor this situation closely and will not hesitate to escalate its actions if our demands are not met promptly.”
