Togo: Regulation in education/ A Uniform dress code for secondary school students starting in the 2023/2024 academic year

Starting from the 2023-2024 new academic year, students will no longer be allowed to dress as they please. Through a ministerial decree, a dress code is defined for students of both sexes. The decision aims to put an end to disorder and indecency observed in students’ clothing over the past few years. Also, that will lead to the harmonization of the dress code for  togolese students in general and vocational secondary schools.

Minister of Primary, Secondary, Technical Education, and Crafts, Prof Komla Dodzi Kokoroko, has imposed a dress code for all secondary school students in both general and vocational education. The decree was issued on Wednesday, August 2nd.

In this decree, which takes effect from the next academic year, the minister defines the uniform attire that all students must now wear across the entire national territory. All learners are required to adhere to this decision.

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE NEW IMPOSED UNIFORM

For the harmonization of the dress code for students, the latter should follow these instructions:

For male students enrolled in public schools: loose-fitting shirt and trousers that extend to the heels, tailored from the same khaki-colored fabric. Closed shoes or sandals with soles secured by a strap.

For female students enrolled in public schools: a loose-fitting shirt in white poplin, an oval and/or pleated skirt in khaki color, covering the knees, and closed shoes with flat soles or sandals with soles secured by a strap.

For students enrolled in private schools: a loose-fitting shirt, trousers that extend to the heels for male students, and an oval and/or pleated skirt covering the knees for female students. Closed shoes with flat soles or sandals with soles secured by a strap.

Promoters of private schools are free to choose the colors of the uniforms. They are also allowed to «include ties in the school uniform», as authorized by the minister.

However, Dodzi Kokoroko warns that «accessories that are ostentatious, blasphemous, or indecent are strictly prohibited».

Finally, the decree states that «the making of t-shirts with the school’s emblem is subject to prior agreement between the school’s head and the parents’ association, who agree on the selling price to the students».

Furthermore, «the acquisition and wearing of these branded t-shirts are entirely optional for the students», the minister clarified.

Yoann Amouzou