In the wake of viral videos showing students at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) being denied entry into lecture halls over dress code enforcement, a senior lecturer at the university has called for calm, context, and a renewed appreciation of UPSA’s legacy of professionalism.
Dr. Ibn Kailan Abdul-Hamid, Head of the Marketing Department and an alumnus of the university, issued a detailed response on Wednesday, July 2 following public backlash and confusion over the strict enforcement of the school’s dress code — particularly targeting Level 100 students.
In his statement, titled “Preserving the Legacy of Professionalism at UPSA,” Dr. Abdul-Hamid acknowledged the widespread attention the incident has received online but urged the public not to allow a “single video” to define the institution or dismiss the long-standing values that have shaped UPSA’s identity.
“The University of Professional Studies, Accra… has long been guided by a distinct institutional culture grounded in discipline, integrity, and professionalism,” he wrote.
“One of the most visible and symbolic expressions of this culture is the University’s professional dress code. This policy is not arbitrary. It is rooted in a philosophy that seeks to prepare students for the real-world expectations of corporate Ghana and beyond.”
The incident, which occurred on the morning of Wednesday, July 2, saw several students turned away from lecture halls for not dressing “officially” — a policy traditionally enforced only on Mondays. Some students missed scheduled tests as a result, sparking frustration and debates about fairness, communication, and generational shifts in dress norms.
A student who spoke to Ghana Weekend described the enforcement as “inconsistent” and “targeted,” claiming that even some students in formal wear were denied entry. One female student was reportedly dragged by a staff member for reasons still unclear, adding to the tension on campus.
While Dr. Abdul-Hamid did not comment directly on the specific incidents, he reaffirmed the need for balanced perspectives, noting that the university has launched an internal investigation to uncover all facts before conclusions are drawn.
“It is premature to draw definitive conclusions or assign blame. The video presents only one side of the story,” he said.
Dr. Abdul-Hamid also recognised the changing attitudes of Generation Z, who make up the bulk of today’s student population, acknowledging their leanings toward liberal self-expression. However, he emphasised that such expressions must still align with the demands of professional spaces and institutional values.
“At UPSA, we do not seek to suppress individuality, but rather to harmonise personal expression with professional standards,” he noted.
He further encouraged stakeholders—including alumni, parents, and the general public—not to undermine the values the university has upheld over the years but rather to support efforts to preserve and evolve them.
“UPSA is not just an academic institution—it is a professional brand. And like any strong brand, it evolves with time but never loses sight of its core identity,” he concluded.
As of now, UPSA has not released an official public statement on the matter. Students and observers await further clarification on whether Wednesday’s enforcement represents a shift in policy or an isolated interpretation of existing rules.
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