The University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), has begun strict enforcement of its student dress code policy, resulting in several students being turned away from lecture halls and sent back to their hostels for dressing deemed inappropriate.
The enforcement exercise, which began on Monday, July 1, follows a directive from the Office of the Dean of Students and the Dean of the Faculty of Information Technology and Communication Studies. A memo from the Dean’s Office had earlier raised concerns about a growing trend of indecent dressing on campus, especially on Mondays, stating that such practices were tarnishing the image of the university.
”Management is concerned about the indecent dressing of students on campus, especially during lectures,” the statement read. “You will not be allowed into lecture halls with unkempt hair, shorts, bathroom slippers, tracksuits, anklets, nose rings, etc., to mention a few.”
According to the memo, a dedicated task force has been stationed at strategic locations across campus to enforce the dress code and “bring sanity to the campus.” The university also reminded students that the dress code policy, as outlined in the 2018 Undergraduate Students’ Handbook, remains unchanged and in full effect.
Videos circulating on social media show visibly frustrated students being prevented from entering classrooms, with some arguing with task force members.
Several students expressed shock at the seriousness of the enforcement and the sudden disruption to their academic schedules.
”I thought it wasn’t going to be serious but when I came, people were going home, people were standing outside quarreling with lecturers. I was told to go home just because of my slippers,” one student told Univers News.
”Some of the task force members themselves were sacked because they weren’t dressed properly,” another student remarked.
The university’s mantra, “Scholarship with Professionalism,” was echoed in the Dean’s memo, reinforcing the message that academic excellence must be accompanied by discipline and a professional attitude.
As enforcement continues, students remain divided—some see it as necessary for discipline, others say it disrupts academics and lacks empathy.
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Story by Vanessa Mensah | univers.ug.edu.gh
Edited by Michelle Lartey
