Students of Kaduna Polytechnic have raised concerns after several female students were reportedly denied entry into the institution’s campus by security personnel over what was described as “indecent” dressing during the ongoing Ramadan fast.
In a video circulating on social media, a female student alleged that security officials stationed at the school gate prevented some students from accessing the campus because their outfits were considered inappropriate.
According to her, the directive was justified on the basis that Muslims were observing Ramadan and that students should cover their bodies more during the fasting period, reports Channels TV.
“They said that because they are fasting, we should cover our bodies. Do they want us to wear cardigans in this heat? We are not secondary school students,” the student said in the video.
The footage also showed several female students who were reportedly stopped at the entrance of the institution.
The student claimed that those affected were denied entry because their clothes did not have sleeves considered long enough by the security personnel.
The incident sparked reactions online, with many calling on the management of Kaduna Polytechnic to address what they described as unfair enforcement of the school’s dress code policy.
In response, the management of Kaduna Polytechnic issued a statement acknowledging the incident and distancing the institution from the actions taken by members of its Dress Code Committee.
In the statement signed by the Deputy Registrar, Information and Protocol, Godwin Ayegba, the institution stated that the outfits worn by the students in the viral video appeared moderate and appropriate.
“The Management wishes to state clearly that the dresses worn by the affected students, as shown in the viral video, appear moderate and appropriate. In view of this, the students in question ought not to have been barred from their lectures on this basis,” the statement said.
The institution explained that while it maintains a dress code policy aimed at promoting decency, professionalism, and a conducive learning environment, enforcement must be carried out strictly in line with established guidelines.
Kaduna Polytechnic added that the Dress Code Committee is responsible for enforcing the policy, but warned that such enforcement should not be carried out in an extreme or arbitrary manner.
According to the management, an immediate investigation has been launched to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident and whether there were lapses in the enforcement of the dress code policy.
The institution said appropriate measures would be taken after the investigation to address the situation and prevent a recurrence.
While reaffirming its commitment to maintaining discipline on campus, the management also advised students to comply with the institution’s dress code and to use official channels to report grievances rather than resorting to social media.
