The Chief Medical Director of the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex (OAUTHC), Prof. John Okeniyi, on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, convened a crucial town hall meeting with members of staff to address the alarming rise in electricity bills and growing concerns over energy wastage within the hospital facilities.
The meeting at the Teaching Hospital Mini Auditorium at the Ife Hospital Unit brought together key stakeholders, including directors of departments, clinical heads, administrative officers, and technical personnel. It was prompted by the hospital’s recent electricity bill, which surged by over 35% in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the same period last year, amounting to tens of millions of naira.
In his remarks, Prof. Okeniyi stressed the urgency of implementing sustainable energy practices, citing the strain of energy costs on the hospital’s limited budget. “We are a health institution committed to saving lives, but our ability to function optimally is now being threatened by unsustainable power consumption,” he said. “This meeting is to foster collaboration on practical steps we can take to reduce waste and cut costs.”
He further revealed that the hospital had spent millions of naira on electricity in just a quarter, a trend he described as “unsustainable and unacceptable.” He identified constant use of high-power equipment, lights being left on unnecessarily, and poor maintenance culture as major contributors.
During the meeting, the Electrical Division of the hospital presented a report highlighting key problem areas such as inefficient air conditioning systems, outdated bulbs, and poor building insulation. The Division recommended immediate steps, including replacing energy-consuming devices with energy-saving alternatives, increasing the use of solar backup systems, and strict enforcement of a “switch-off-when-not-in-use” policy.
Heads of departments also expressed concern about the impact of inconsistent power on patient care and the possibility of funds meant for medical supplies being diverted to cover utility bills.
In response, the CMD announced the formation of a hospital-wide Energy Task Force to monitor energy usage and enforce conservation guidelines.
Prof. Okeniyi concluded by urging members of staff at all levels to take personal responsibility for addressing the issue. “We must all begin to think like owners of this institution. Wastefulness cannot be our culture,” he said.
The meeting ended with a pledge by all department heads to implement internal sensitisation campaigns.
