Students at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), were left frustrated on Wednesday, July 2, after a strict and unannounced enforcement of the university’s dress code policy saw many barred from entering lecture halls, sparking confusion and tension across campus.
The action, reportedly led by a university task force, targeted students—especially those in Level 100—over what was deemed “indecent dressing.”
Traditionally, the university enforces formal attire on Mondays, but this week’s midweek crackdown came without prior notice.
According to eyewitness accounts, students who arrived for lectures and scheduled tests as early as 7 a.m. were denied entry, regardless of whether they were formally dressed or not.
One student who spoke anonymously said, “We always wear official [attire] on Mondays. So today being Wednesday, we were surprised they still insisted on formal wear.”
Reports also emerged of a female public relations student being forcefully dragged by a man believed to be a staff member. Witnesses claim the student had not caused any disruption and that no explanation was offered for the altercation.
“He just came back and started dragging her. We didn’t even know what she did,” another student recounted.
The abrupt enforcement left students disoriented, particularly those preparing for quizzes and lectures. Some described the implementation as selective and inconsistent.
“Many people wore formal clothes and were still turned away. So what exactly is considered ‘official’? No one is telling us,” said one of the affected students.
While the university has not officially released a detailed explanation of the events on campus, the Head of the Marketing Department, Dr. Ibn Kailan Abdul-Hamid, addressed a related viral video in a statement on the same day.
He clarified that the footage showing students being turned away for inappropriate dressing was shared without authorization and that the university had launched an internal investigation into the matter.
Dr. Abdul-Hamid reaffirmed UPSA’s long-standing values of professionalism, discipline, and integrity, stating that the professional dress code has been part of its institutional culture for decades.
He noted that the policy is not arbitrary but designed to prepare students for the expectations of corporate Ghana and beyond.
“The University’s professional dress code is not arbitrary. It is rooted in a philosophy that prepares students for real-world expectations,” the statement said, adding that UPSA graduates in top leadership roles today are a testament to the system’s success.
Acknowledging the generational gap between university authorities and students, Dr. Abdul-Hamid called for understanding and balance.
“We do not seek to suppress individuality but rather to harmonise personal expression with professional standards,” he stated.
As the university investigates the situation, concerns remain among students, particularly over what they describe as a lack of clarity, consistency, and communication around dress code enforcement. Many have also raised concerns about missing academic activities due to what they believe was an overly rigid approach.
UPSA has urged the public to reserve judgment until its internal processes are completed.
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