Drama at YABATECH Gate as Ex-Student Denied Entry Over Hairstyle

A former student of Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), identified as Michael Adeyemi, was reportedly denied access to the school’s premises due to his hairstyle, sparking public outrage and a wider conversation about personal freedom and institutional discipline.

A viral video making the rounds on social media shows Michael, now an alumnus of the institution, being stopped at the main entrance by a school security operative.

In the clip, the security guard is seen blocking Michael from entering the campus, while a small crowd looks on. Though no official reason was given in the video, witnesses alleged that the security personnel pointed to Michael’s dreadlocks as the issue.

Eyewitnesses claimed that Michael had visited the campus to obtain some official documents.

However, he was stopped and questioned about his appearance. “He’s not even a student anymore, what right do they have to stop him?” one bystander said in the background of the video.

The video has sparked heated discussions online, with many social media users condemning the school’s action as discriminatory and outdated. Critics argue that personal grooming, especially for non-students, should not be grounds for denying access to a public institution. Others have defended the school’s right to maintain a code of conduct, citing institutional image and security.

Michael, speaking to local reporters after the incident, expressed shock and disappointment. “I spent years here. I graduated without any issue. Coming back to handle some paperwork and being treated like a criminal because of my hair is insulting and unnecessary,” he said.

As of press time, YABATECH management has not released an official statement addressing the incident or clarifying its stance on hairstyle policies for former students or visitors.

The incident adds to a growing list of debates around institutional conservatism, youth expression, and the need for reforms in Nigeria’s educational environment.