A few days back, the Vice Chancellor of Akwa Ibom State University(AKSU), Prof. James Eno Ibanga sparked mixed reactions when he announced that people with tattoos will be denied admissions into the university. See previous post here...https://www.nairaland.com/4641907/no-admission-students-tattoos-akwa

Celebrity tattoo artist, Bizzyaski has written a thought-provoking open letter to the VC. Read below...

Dear professor Eno James Ibanga, they call me Bizzyaski, a notable tattooist and graduate of Philosophy from OOU.

The statement you made about not granting admissions to people with tattoos is totally wrong, you can’t impose your personal belief on a whole academic institution. That statement only portrays you as backward; it betrays your exalted position as an educationist who should be an harbinger of information and civilization by promoting creativity and open-mindedness.

Tattoos are body arts and not a mark of immorality, cultists, and bad people in general as your statement portrayed; the corrupt politicians causing the sufferings of millions of Nigerians by stealing public funds, do they have tattoos? Most of the famous kidnappers paraded half naked, do you see tattoos on them?

Being the VC of a school with department of art, I wonder how your statement comes across to art students and lecturers in that school.

Ironically, in your state, Akwa Ibom where little children are labelled witch and killed, there is a heavily tattooed Danish advocate named Anja Ringgren, who has been saving and transforming the lives of innocent kids. She recently beat the likes of Pope Francis, Barack Obama and the Dalai Lama to top the list of 100 inspiring individuals compiled by German-language Ooom Magazine just because of this act alone.

Face the real issues plaguing your institution, rather than unnecessarily condemning people's right to physical expressions; i am sure your school, lack most Nigerian schools, lack adequate infrastructures and the rest. Why not let’s take a cue from the western world, at least I studied few courses in the USA; i see professors, police officers, lawyers, bankers, doctors with tattoos and dreadlocks, why is your own different when they are thousands of miles ahead of you in development?

Are you aware that some universities abroad offer degrees in Tattoo designs and Body Arts? There are even institutions dedicated strictly to the study of tattoos; those are the same people who created the system of education in which you have found relevance today.

Have you heard about David Lane, a University of South Dakota assistant professor of anthropology and sociology who teaches a class focusing on the cultural significance of tattoos?

Have you heard about the "tattooed professor" Kevin Gannon, a professor of Civil War History at Grand View University, USA, who also run a blog about tattoos?

There are even notable and revered world leaders with large body tattoos; among them are current Canadian Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau and former Californian Governor, Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Our problem is our mentality, and until we change the mentality, we are going no where. Let’s think about it. Even the certificate after having it , does it guarantee employment? My certificate has been useless since 2009. If not for GOD and Hardwork.. and your school is not free , it’s being paid for sir." #ChangeYourMentality #ComeOnOnline

Keep quiet there!

To us Nigerians, tattoos makes you look irresponsible.

I agree. Only backwards people with archaic mentality will see having tattoos as a sign of thuggery.

Issorai .all I know is first impression matters and lasts long.you did well to defend your work but don't you get it??This is Nigeria where schools will do anything to reduce number of admission applicants..
The V.C's decision seems discriminatory but what can we do?he's in charge and he calls the shot aleast for now !

shey na d school u dey pack client from ni. Even Lautech wey Admit Yahoo Boys full for school no Ban dem or ban tattoo... i dont even understand will tatoo stop dem from inventing new things.. Abi u dey find student wey u go Admit wey go dey donate free Blood every month just confess Mr VC

can't just wait for president Buhari to be president again. we yorubas are solidly behind you, forget the flat headed

...

emeijeh:
Keep quiet there!

To us Nigerians, tattoos makes you look irresponsible.

Are y'all seeing this dude's face??
Thuggery written all over it
On a serious note, tattoos are not bad

A very sound, rational and constructive criticism.

Awesome letter by Bizzyaski.

Lilymax:
Are y'all seeing this dude's face??
Thuggery written all over it
On a serious note, tattoos are not bad

Where's yours?

With tattoos SARS go use you chop

Tattoos are signs of 999.
It is satanic.

It is demonic.

You will go to hell fire with tattoo.

excellent right up.

E be like market no sell like before oh. Oga dey use style protect wetin remain lol.

Ahh Buhari brings out the best (from behind) in people

HauteReel:


Where's yours?

My what?

Tattoos.

Used to Love them.

But now, its been abused. Even irritating.

Its body art -- not body editing.

ANY MAN OR A WOMAN WEARING TATTOOS, DREADLOCKS, ARTIFICIAL EYES LASHES, SAGGING TROUSERS IS COMPLETE NO FOR ME...










ALL THOSE TRASH ANALYSIS THE MISFIT AND A UNIVERSITY THROWN OUT MADE IN HIS LETTER IS CREDITED TO HIS CALAMITOUS UPBRINGING...

kennisman:
Tattoos are signs of 999.

It is satanic.


It is demonic.


You will go to hell fire with tattoo.

kennisman:
Tattoos are signs of 999.

It is satanic.


It is demonic.


You will go to hell fire with tattoo.

999

tatoos

/
After dilapidated buildings, the next sign that you have entered a poverty-ridden neighborhood is that just about everyone has tattoos. Yoruba call them agbero, English call them touts, white folks call them white trash and in African-American lingo, they are called hood rats. Of course, I expect Nigerians to fight to copy the wrongs from other cultures. Will they fight for scientific innovations, education, environment, electricity? No. The fight must be in support of braids, sagging, tattoos and other nonsense that adds no values to anything.

//

All these hypocrites, If tattoos are so bad & people with them are criminals, why was Skepta given a chieftaincy title the other day?

Even though I am not a fan of tattoo, this is a well written response from someone who has something upstairs... Even APC media aides can't present something this constructive

This VC should abandon his hidebound thinking and focus on more important issues affecting his university.In as much as i detest tattooes,a book ought not to be judged by its cover.This is just a case of misplaced priorities
I really commend the writer's efforts in coming up with an almost cogent write up.He did his researches well

Personally I don't really like tatoos but I won't have a bias for someone with one especially If it's hidden that's your business.


We like insignificant things in this country. The house is burning the owner is chasing rats

kennisman:
Tattoos are signs of 999.

It is satanic.


It is demonic.


You will go to hell fire with tattoo.

Shut up ya mouth... That 75% of Americans that's on tattoo will go to hell... You re d secretary to God abi...

The tat artist just gave him more reason to view tattoo arts with disdain.

Learn how to persuade in a subtle manner without stiring the ego from your receiver.

The aggressive tone of your message will only boost his ego and make him more defensive