University Teachers Association of Ghana - UTAG

DR SAMUEL Asiedu-Addo, a mathematics lecturer of the University of Education, Winneba, has instituted a dress code for students who attend his lectures.

Speaking to the Ghana News Agency at Winneba on Monday, Dr Asiedu-Addo said the men were expected to put on white long-sleeved shirt over black trousers, belt and shoes with a flying tie.‘

The women were expected to put on white on top over a black skirt with a flying tie or muffler.

Dr Asiedu-Addo explained that the dress code was to eliminate indiscipline and introduce decent dressing on campus. He said the measure, the first in a tertiary institution in the country was not compulsory for other students adding, 'some lecturers from other faculties and departments have planned to emulate it. 

'Students to my lectures should look decent as any other professionals because teaching is a noble profession. Teachers should make teaching attractive, enjoyable and be proud,' he added.

Throwing more light on the introduction of the dress code, Dr Asiedu-Addo told the Ghanaian Times Central Regional Correspondent, David Yarboi-Tetteh, that it was introduced in 2006 as a joint initiative by him and the students.

Third year mathematics students in 2006 opted to wear white shirt with tie over dark or blue black trousers for the men while the female wear trousers or skirt and white shirt.

He said the response of the students was overwhelming, adding that 'even Level 100 and Level 200 students are asking me whether they would be using the same dressing when they get to level 300.'

The Dean of Students Affairs of the UEW, Dr Cosmos W.K. Mereku, told the Times on telephone that the attire makes the students distinct among their colleagues and said he would appreciate it if other students would also adopt it.

He, however, stated that the university management could not impose the adoption of a particular mode of dressing on the students and that any dress code adopted should be in consultation with the student body.

A student of the university, Erasmus Nii Teiko Ayikwei, told the Times that other faculties need to adopt a similar dress code which makes the mathematics students presentable, because many of the other students dress inappropriately.