By: Ambali Olayinka

For about twenty days, the jarring sound of makeshift generators, loud enough to disrupt deep thought, became a constant feature of life at Alexander Brown Hall (ABH). The makeshift only provided a minute care to the gross state of concern students faced. It followed the disconnection of electricity to the University College Hospital (UCH) and its environs by the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC). The disconnection stemmed from UCH’s accumulation and inability to clear significant electricity debt.

The College of Medicine, University of Ibadan known as the nation’s foremost research and training health education institution, during the period, apparently deteriorated and was away from its purpose, as prolonged blackout disrupted operations at the College’s tertiary teaching hospital (UCH). The resultant effect also affected two student residential halls which were in a state of limbo. Notable among others, it ignited significant concerns, especially in respect to the health and well-being of student residents within that tight period.

According to a recent report from the World Health Organization, micro-biologically contaminated drinking water “can transmit diseases such as diarrhea, cholera, dysentery, typhoid, and polio, and is estimated to cause approximately 505,000 diarrheal deaths each year”. The lack of water supply took a serious toll on the residents within the hall. Students were forced to fetch unclean water from distant places, such as at construction sites. This experience exposed students to waterborne diseases such as cholera, dysentery, and typhoid. Basic hygiene practices, such as bathing, laundry, and proper maintenance of toilets, were also seriously threatened.

Bola, a fourth-year medical student, lamented during the persisting days of blackout. She said, “the situation in ABH is really alarming. Since I got to the hostel, this year, as a 2024 intake, I’ve never fully enjoyed what we call ‘basic amenities’ like water and electricity. Every corridor that has a toilet at the moment is currently smelling because there is not enough water for the cleaners to clean the toilets. Most of the time, I use the restaurants, library, and office toilets within the hospital. At the moment, all my clothes are dirty and I haven’t had a proper bath. It’s really appalling. I cannot cope; we cannot cope.” (courtesy, UCJUI).

Reduced Productivity and Fatigue

Periods of emotional stress, physical exertion, and poor nutrition have led to reduced productivity and fatigue among ABH and Falase Hall residents. The physical strain caused by the blackout cannot be overstated, as students spent hours searching for places to charge their devices, and waiting in long queues to fetch water. Balancing these activities with classes, clinical postings, and exam preparation leaves little or no time for rest.

Oluwatoke, an ABH resident said, “the power outage is causing more than just inconvenience. It is deteriorating our physical well-being. I barely sleep these days because of the mosquitoes and heat. I think I’m about to treat malaria for the third time in five months.” (courtesy, UIMSA PRESS).

Cooking also became a challenge. The lack of water makes cooking nearly impossible, and many students were forced to eat at cafeterias, which can be expensive.

Chiamaka, a resident, highlighted her frustration. “I have to beg the cleaners to fetch water for me.” She added that the cost of this service doubled, from ₦150 to ₦300 per container, due to the long distances cleaners travel to fetch water. Accessing power for devices has been equally difficult. “I had to beg the nurses in the Geriatric Ward to allow me to charge my phone. I once spent 8 hours a day doing so.” (courtesy, UIMSA PRESS)

The prolonged blackout at ABH magnified the urgent need for effective and permanent solutions to address the far-reaching effects of unavailability of electricity on students’ health, productivity, and overall well-being. Students’ health, like for other members of the UCH community, was indeed endangered by the electricity concern. It was one of the unseen and unacknowledged consequences of the failure to promptly address electricity plight. Students may have to deal with the post-experience health consequences of the prolonged blackout – without reparation.