Resident doctors at University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, have warned that they may begin an indefinite strike if the long-running electricity crisis at the hospital is not resolved within three weeks. The doctors said the situation is already affecting patient care and medical training at the major teaching hospital.

The president of the Association of Resident Doctors at UCH, Uthman Adedeji, explained that the doctors had earlier carried out a five-day warning strike before issuing a 21-day ultimatum starting March 7, 2026. According to him, there has been no meaningful discussion with the hospital management since the warning strike ended.

Adedeji stated that it is unacceptable for a leading hospital in Nigeria to operate without reliable electricity in modern times. He stressed that the doctors are not demanding personal benefits but want stable power supply to ensure proper healthcare services and training for medical professionals.

The electricity crisis reportedly began in October 2024 when Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company disconnected the hospital over an outstanding debt of about N495 million. The situation has disrupted hospital operations for months, including a period when the facility experienced more than 100 days of blackout.