A young Nigerian tailor, known on TikTok as @necherem, has sparked widespread debate after announcing he has temporarily stopped accepting female apprentices in his fashion business. In a video shared online, he explained that his decision stems from a recurring pattern where female trainees develop romantic feelings for him, which he says disrupts their focus and hinders their ability to learn tailoring skills effectively.
Tailor's Personal Experience Led to Decision
According to the tailor, his decision is not permanent but a necessary pause based on his experiences training female apprentices. He noted that when romantic feelings emerge, the training process becomes less effective as attention shifts away from acquiring the craft. The tailor emphasized that his priority is ensuring apprentices gain the necessary skills to succeed in the fashion industry, but the emotional complications have made it challenging to maintain a productive learning environment.
In his video, the tailor did not specify how many incidents led to his decision but stated that the situation has occurred repeatedly. He clarified that he has stopped accepting female apprentices 'for now,' leaving room for a possible policy change in the future.
Mixed Reactions on Social Media
The tailor's revelation quickly attracted attention on TikTok and other platforms, with users sharing diverse opinions. Some supported his decision, emphasizing the importance of maintaining boundaries in a professional setting. User @Soweto baby commented: 'There is a difference between business and pleasure; one can't mix both together. It is better you know why you are there as an apprentice—a business place is not a love garden.'
Others criticized the move, arguing that it unfairly punishes all women based on isolated experiences. User @Ccioma wrote: 'That's fair. Boundaries are important in work, but don't punish all women because of few experiences.' Many female users humorously offered to apply, insisting they would not develop feelings. @mhiz Blissful said: 'Pick me, I no go fall for u but I go just marry u sharp sharp please.'
Broader Implications for Apprenticeship Dynamics
The incident highlights ongoing challenges in workplace relationships, particularly in informal apprenticeship settings where close mentorship is common. The tailor's decision reflects a growing awareness of how personal emotions can impact professional training. While some applaud his transparency, others call for more nuanced solutions that address the root causes without excluding entire groups.
As of now, the tailor has not announced any changes to his policy. The video continues to circulate, drawing comments from users who share similar experiences or offer alternative perspectives on managing trainer-trainee relationships.
