KadPoly: Student leaders dismiss religious bias in dress code enforcement

Student leaders at Kaduna Polytechnic have dismissed claims that the enforcement of the institution’s dress code targets any religious group, saying the regulation applies equally to all students regardless of faith. The leaders, drawn from the Students’ Union Government (SUG), the Muslim Students Society (MSS) and the Fellowship of Christian Students (FCS), spoke at a […]

Student leaders at Kaduna Polytechnic have dismissed claims that the enforcement of the institution’s dress code targets any religious group, saying the regulation applies equally to all students regardless of faith.

The leaders, drawn from the Students’ Union Government (SUG), the Muslim Students Society (MSS) and the Fellowship of Christian Students (FCS), spoke at a joint press conference where they reaffirmed unity among students and cautioned against attempts to portray the issue as a religious crisis.

SUG President, Comr. Ibrahim Abdullahi Mai-Jama’a, said the student bodies were united across religious lines and had come together to clarify misconceptions surrounding the enforcement of the dress code.

“We are here today as representatives of the entire student body, united across religious lines, to address recent discussions and misconceptions surrounding the enforcement of the institution’s dress code policy,” he said.

Mai-Jama’a explained that the dress code policy is a long-standing institutional regulation aimed at promoting decency, discipline and professionalism within the polytechnic.

“The dress code policy of Kaduna Polytechnic is a long-standing institutional rule designed to promote decency, professionalism and a conducive learning environment for all. It applies equally to every student and staff member without favouritism or discrimination based on faith,” he said.

He added that the recent enforcement by security personnel was part of efforts to uphold the existing rule and should not be interpreted as an attempt to impose any religious standard

The student leaders, however, acknowledged that there might have been isolated cases of excessive enforcement or misunderstandings during implementation.

“We acknowledge that there may have been isolated cases of overzealous enforcement or misunderstandings in implementation. However, these do not reflect the spirit of the policy or the values of our institution,” he said, noting that the management had initiated investigations into the reported incidents.

They commended the management of the institution under the Rector, Dr Suleiman Umar, for maintaining peace and ensuring uninterrupted academic activities.

The student leaders also urged students to comply with the dress code as contained in the student handbook and admission guidelines.

“We call on all students to comply with the dress code as outlined in the student handbook and admission guidelines. Let us continue to dress decently and responsibly, as this reflects positively on our individual character and the image of our great institution,” Mai-Jama’a said.

They further urged members of the public and the media to disregard narratives suggesting the institution is divided along religious lines.