ILE-IFE, Osun State -A brewing storm is sweeping across the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, after a draft document outlining a strict dress code for students surfaced on social media, sparking widespread reactions from Nigerians.
While the university has confirmed that the circular is genuine, it clarified that the document is still in draft stage and awaits final approval from its governing council.
The proposed dress code reads like a laundry list of banned fashion statements. From “sexually provocative dresses” to dreadlocks, backless clothes, sagging trousers, tattoos, nose and mouth rings, multicoloured hairstyles, and heavy make-up, the university appears poised to take a no-nonsense approach to student appearance, should the council give its nod.
While the university’s management insists the draft is still under review, the document has already set tongues wagging and sparked heated debate across the nation.
Adeola Lambo threw her weight behind the proposed code, asserting that, “Education is not complete if it doesn’t influence your character and the way you dress. It’s not ideal to be dressing like prostitutes in a citadel of learning.” For her, the university’s plan hits the nail on the head.
Echoing similar sentiments, Abdullahi Shehu warned against turning the institution into a “fashion parade,” adding that the absence of decorum may “threaten the integrity of our learning environment.”
Another supporter, Idorenyin Asuquo, argued that many students who were once decently dressed in secondary school quickly derail upon reaching university due to the absence of dress regulations. “Bad habits were emulated,” he said, “so for character-wise to be kept in place… dressing code must be established.”
Ogunlade Adewumi Alaba took a personal turn, expressing concern over what he described as indecent dressing among female students.
He said, “I recall visiting my project supervisor on campus and was shocked by what one lady was wearing.”
However, not everyone is dancing to the university’s tune. Mabel Hembadoon Lele Madugu lambasted the move as a misplaced priority. “Instead of dwelling on profitable research, they are concerned about how people dress,” she argued, questioning the basis for determining what qualifies as “heavy” make-up or inappropriate dressing.
In a more philosophical tone, James Kenene remarked, “The real demons are the ones who always appeared in suits and natives.”
Similarly, Okwukwu Divine Johnson called out perceived hypocrisy. “Every man here is standing against crop tops and off shoulder clothes, but you bought them for your girlfriend and side chick,” he said, adding that cultural elements like dreadlocks shouldn’t be misjudged.
For Sadulahi Akorede Abdulsalam, the proposed regulations are laughable. He joked, “When Obafemi Awolowo University turn to deeper life institution… Someone like me now will be on his way home cus I don dey count 6 charges against myself.”
Others, like Nwabor Pascal, questioned the university’s authority to dictate student attire.
“University don’t have any right to tell a student what he or she should wear to school,” he said, though he conceded that some level of decorum is acceptable.
Meanwhile, Yusuf Muhammad Sanyinna emphasized that morality should remain a pillar of academic life, insisting that “education itself is nothing without good moral character.”
While the back and forth continues, OAU’s spokesperson, Abiodun Olarewaju, urged the public to be patient as the draft is still being fine-tuned.
“The university is still reviewing the content and has not given a final approval,” he stated.
