“Abaya is a decent dress” – Kano university apologises to female student harassed for their dressing

The management of Kano University of Science and Technology Wudil, has apologised to one of its female students who was assaulted and harassed by male students while passing through the male hostel.

In a statement issued by the Dean, Student Affairs Shehu Abdulahi Ma’aji on Wednesday, KUST management said the Abaya dress is decent and in line with the school’s Dress Code Act.

In a video going viral on social media on Monday, the female student clad in an Abaya dress was harassed and dragged by some male students who were shouting “mai Abaya” at her.

The victim was seen in the video trying to stop them from dragging her Abaya which is a full-length robe or a dress, only for the students to disperse and re-convene.

The university had also earlier been in the news after some of its students allegedly killed their colleague and ran away with his money that he collected from his parent to buy an Infinix phone.

However, reacting to the incident in the statement, the university condemned the incident and urged the female student to formally report to the authorities.

“The student Affairs of KUST Wudil has just received an informal complain through the social media of harassing a female student by its male colleagues for wearing an Abaya dress,” the statement read.

“Let me categorically state that for the benefit of doubt, under the “Dress Code Act” Abaya is a decent dress approved by the University authority. Thus, this student did not commit any offence for wearing her Abaya dress. The general student s should know they re not consituted authorities to harass, embarass, molest or take any disciplinary action on any student. They can only report to the Security Division or Student Affairs Unit. The students should note that students’ harassment is a offence as provided in the Student’s Handbook and is punishable with suspension or dismissal depending on the degree of offence.”

I, the Dean Student Affairs wish to apologie to this lady in particular and the general female students. I promised to take a serious action on this matter. However, I want this student to come forward and report this case to me officially or the Security Division of the Uiversity. The University Management has constituted a committee to investigate the circumstances that led to these ugly activities of the undesirale members of the clique of these males students who perpetuated this action. I call on these stiudents to urgently send their apology to the affected lady and the University befo the law take its course on them. Otherwise, they will be recognised as habitual offenders of such acts.”

The statement further stated that the incident hes been made popular to dent the image of the school and caused a bad relationship between the school management and the Student Representative Council.

It then gave a stern warning that it would not let anyone harass it well-abiding students because the students are its diamond assets.

“The Student Affairs of KUST-Wudli is greatly amused by this ugly development as the school authority is concerned. The school see this as a plan to dent its image and destabilised the ongoing peace enjoyed as well as to destroy the established good relationship with the Student Representative Council (SRC) and the entire students which is progressively moving the session towards completion successfully against the wish of antagonists.

‘It is in record that the University has established and maintained good records on its students on character and learning as shown recently in producing students with excellent records.

“Therefore whoever is behind this disdain will soon be identified In sha Allah as we will not allow anybody to harass our law-abiding students and put them into a state of despodency. I must put into record that our students are our diamond assets, irrespective of their religious inclination, ethnic belonging, gender and tribe as long as they carry ot their activities i and around the University legitimately. They are assured of free intimidation under their fundamental human right laws.”