By Elizabeth Okwe
…
Students and staff of the Benue State University (BSU), Makurdi have commended the management of the University over the recent dress codes it imposed on the students on and off the campus, saying that its impact is already being felt on the appearance and behaviour of the students.
A cross section of the students who spoke to SunriseNigeria on the recent development said they supported the regulations because the campus is a place for academic development as well as character moulding and should not be a playground for indecent behaviour and gangsterism.
The University’s management recently announced a ban on dreadlock hairs, make-up, skirts above knees and other certain dress codes it deemed inappropriate and indecent.
The implementation task force set up by the university had warned in a statement that the institution would sanction any student found violating the approved dress code.
The statement read, “The Taskforce Committee writes to address students on the dress code and artificiality both in campus and off-campus as follows:
“BOYS: No sagging, No Make up, No dreading of hair (dada), No dyeing of hair (coloring of hair), No wearing of shorts/three quarter trousers to Lectures, No leaving of hair uncombed, No wearing of armless shirts, No wearing of earring, No plaiting of hair, No keeping of heavy beards, No wearing crazy trousers, and other indecencies.
“GIRLS: No body hug, No wearing of armless clothes, No dyeing of hair (coloring of hair), No wearing short, No exposure of sensible parts of the body, No Leg chain, No Nose ring, No putting of multiple earrings (only one earring is allowed).
“No folding of shirts on a trouser or skirt, only black and brown color attachment is allowed, No wearing of crazy trousers, No wearing of skirts above the knees, No wearing of leggings without long top (shirt) and other related indecencies”.

Prof Joe Tor Iorapuu
Vice-chancellor, Beuue State University
The students, most of whom preferred to remain anonymous in the interviews, said the new measures will go a long way in eradicating or minimizing incidents of irresponsible behaviour in the institution, while students will be more focused on their academic pursuits.
Also some members of staff and parents who spoke to SunriseNigeria on the development commended the management of standing strong in the defence of its mandate to produce graduates worthy of their certificates in character and learning.
They particularly commended the Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Joe Tor Iorapuu over his pragmatic administrative steps since assuming the leadership of the institution which has resulted in massive upgrades in academic standards and staff welfare, eradication of cultism other vices on campus and improved ranking amongst universities in Nigeria.
In a telephone interview with our correspondent, the University’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Joe Tor Iorapuu defended the management’s position on the dressing codes, saying that the responsibility of the institution was to produce graduates that would be responsible citizens.
He restated his commitment and that of his team to the general well-being of all students and staff of the institution and to ensure that its ranking continues to rise amongst its peers.