In conversations with the Press, student residents of the Alexander Brown Hall and Ayodele Falase Post-Graduate Hall, as well as UItes at the Protest against the 82-Day Blackout in UCH, have expressed optimism towards the ongoing protest, calling on the Federal Government to address the situation immediately.
Speaking with the UIMSA Press correspondent on his perception of the protests, Michael* said, “The protest is going okay. I’m happy that not just ABH students are here, UI students are here as well. It shows unity and oneness”. For Mercy*, “I feel it’s going to create more awareness than before, I got a call from someone from as far as Benin to say that they can see us in the news. I don’t know about the effectiveness but I’m very hopeful and glad that there’s more awareness”.
Bola*, a medical student, said, “To me, it is going to be effective, awareness is a key process in making our problems known. We are using our voices to make known our problems. Whether something is done or not is not the point, but the fact that our voices are being heard is important. It’s the basic thing we can do, to Protest. I have faith that this awareness will go far and wide”.
Sharing her experience, Shallom* anothet medical student, lamented: “It has been very difficult. Throughout this 80+ days of blackout, we have had to use the generator to provide lighting, pump water, and run facilities. The best thing we have to do is to protest, calling on the authorities to act”.
The demonstrators are currently in front of the Oyo State Secretariat, with security personnel flanking. Reporters from legacy media outlets have also been observed, questioning students on their concerns.
* – Names have been changed to protect the identity of respondents.
Ugor Benedict
Sunday Nnamdi Precious
