Outrage as YABATECH Denies Ex-Student Entry Over Hairstyle

An ex-student of Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), Lagos, has sparked public debate after he was allegedly denied entry into the school’s Epe campus due to his Afro hairstyle, prompting accusations of discrimination and abuse of authority.

A video of the incident, which went viral on social media on Tuesday, showed the visibly frustrated young man confronting campus security officers. He claimed he had been prevented from accessing the school premises for over a week, despite having a business reportedly worth ₦2 million on campus.

“How will you tell me not to come into the campus with my hairstyle?” he asked in the video. “See students coming into the school with rough hair and you’re telling me I can’t come in because of my hair. You’ve trained me to know my rights. Now I need a hairstyle permit to enter?”

In the footage, security personnel at the gate insisted they were acting on orders from the school’s management. One guard was seen threatening the young man, saying, “If you don’t leave now, you will be dealt with. I will wound you now.”

The ex-student pointed out several others with similar bushy hairstyles and dreadlocks who were allowed in, describing his own treatment as unfair and humiliating.

In response to the growing backlash, YABATECH’s Public Relations Officer, Adams Adekunle, said the individual failed to clearly explain his reason for visiting the campus and that his inability to answer basic questions raised security concerns.

“The person at the centre of the incident couldn’t ascertain his purpose of coming into the college as an ex-student,” Adekunle said. “He claimed to have ₦2 million worth of business investment within the campus, but what form of business does he have that the security couldn’t identify?”

Adekunle stressed that individuals with legitimate business on campus are typically known and need no special introduction.

“He perhaps must have been seen as a security threat and was being politely disengaged,” he said, suggesting that the attempt to film the encounter could be viewed as suspicious or mischievous behavior.

The institution also reiterated its zero-tolerance policy for indecent dressing and related conduct, noting that the rules are clearly outlined in the students’ handbook and displayed around the campus through banners and pictorial notices.

“Security personnel at the gates are mandated to enforce these policies, including denying entry to individuals who breach the dress code or exhibit suspicious behaviour,” Adekunle clarified.