Hospitals and Universities Get Power Breakthrough Under Tinubu’s Agenda

The University of Ibadan (UI) and the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, have expressed strong appreciation to the Federal Government following their inclusion among beneficiaries of newly approved electrification projects aimed at improving power supply in critical institutions.

Speaking at a recent event in Ibadan, the Vice Chancellor of UI, Professor Kayode Adebowale, lauded the initiative, describing it as a game-changing intervention in the university’s longstanding struggle with energy costs. According to him, the university spends over one billion naira annually on electricity, a burden he says has strained academic and administrative operations.

The VC noted that with the proposed supply of 13 megawatts of electricity under the new project, the institution’s total energy demand—currently around 11 megawatts—will not only be met but future-proofed for years to come.

“This project will eliminate the need for panic over power shortages for the next five years. It will allow us to channel resources to more impactful academic and research endeavors. The federal government and the Minister of Power deserve our gratitude,” he said.

Echoing the sentiment, the Chief Medical Director of UCH, Professor Jesse Otegbayo, described the development as a major breakthrough for the healthcare sector. He explained that erratic electricity had significantly hindered the hospital’s ability to deliver optimal patient care, given that over 80 percent of medical equipment requires constant power to function.

“This announcement by the president brings joy and relief to the entire hospital community. It will drastically improve our clinical efficiency, reduce patient wait times, and enhance overall service delivery. We commend the federal government for prioritizing healthcare in its Renewed Hope Agenda,” he remarked.

Professor Otegbayo emphasized that with reliable electricity, patient outcomes would significantly improve, particularly in areas like radiology and diagnostics where consistent power is critical.

The Federal Executive Council recently approved ₦68.7 billion for critical power infrastructure across key institutions nationwide. The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, who announced the development following the latest council meeting in Abuja, explained that the funding would support engineering, procurement, and construction under the Energising Education Programme led by the Rural Electrification Agency.

Eight universities and teaching hospitals are set to benefit from the initiative, including the University of Lagos, Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife, University of Nigeria Nsukka, University of Calabar, Federal University Wukari, and the University of Ibadan with its affiliated teaching hospital.

According to the government, the move demonstrates its renewed commitment to improving infrastructure in education and healthcare, sectors deemed vital for national development.