President of the Students’ Representative Council (SRC) at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), Prince Bentil, has defended the university’s strict enforcement of its student dress code policy, describing it as a necessary step in grooming students for the professional world.
In an interview with Univers News, Bentil explained that the dress code reflects UPSA’s identity as a professional institution and is clearly outlined in the student handbook provided to all students upon admission.
“UPSA is a professional institution. That’s why we have a professional dress code outlined in our student handbook, which all students receive upon admission,” he said. “Students are expected to dress in a way that reflects their readiness for the corporate world.”
Bentil noted that the SRC was aware of the enforcement exercise and had taken steps to notify students beforehand. He emphasised that the task force deployed for the exercise was instructed to carry out the policy respectfully.
“They are just to send back students to their various hostels by word of mouth,” he said. “If someone is not well dressed, they should be asked to return, dress appropriately, and then come back to class.”
His comments come in the wake of reports that some students were turned away from campus or asked to return home for not adhering to the dress code. The 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, who have expressed concern over increasing cases of indecent dressing on campus.
Reactions from the student body have been mixed. While some support the move as a standard of discipline and professionalism, others argue that it is disruptive and overly rigid.
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Story by Vanessa Mensah| univers.ug.edu.gh
Edited by Michelle Lartey
