Nigeria Power Crisis at UCH Ibadan: Nurses Use Phones for Light as Patients Protest 17-Day Blackout

The University College Hospital (UCH) in Ibadan faces a 17-day blackout due to unpaid bills, leaving nurses reliant on phone flashlights for critical tasks. This power outage has disrupted essential medical services, sparking protests from patients and families amid a healthcare crisis tied to the hospital’s high electricity costs.

A video showing nurses at the University College Hospital (UCH) in Ibadan, Oyo State, using their phone flashlights for illumination has gone viral, highlighting the severe impact of an ongoing power outage that has lasted over 17 days.

The electricity supply to UCH was cut off by the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) due to outstanding payments. The hospital falls under the "Band A" tariff, resulting in a monthly electricity bill of approximately N80 million. This blackout has severely disrupted essential hospital services, including surgeries, diagnostic procedures, and other critical care operations.

The extended outage has sparked protests from patients and their families, frustrated by the lack of both electricity and water. UCH management is struggling to address the issue as the situation intensifies, affecting the well-being of patients and the capacity of staff to provide adequate medical care.

In a recent video, nurses can be seen using their phones to light rooms and hallways, underscoring the dire need for a resolution to restore essential utilities. The incident highlights the challenges faced by Nigeria's healthcare infrastructure, where unpaid bills and power disruptions significantly impact medical facilities’ operational capacity.