“Harsh and Archaic”: OAU Students Oppose New Dress Code

Students at Obafemi Awolowo University have strongly opposed a newly introduced dress code, criticizing it as overly punitive and unconstitutional. The Student Union leadership is calling on the university to withdraw the policy and adopt a more balanced approach that respects students’ rights to personal expression, belief, and identity.

Students of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in Ile‑Ife have strongly rejected a newly introduced dress code approved by the university’s Governing Council. The policy, outlined in a memo dated June 13, 2025, was drafted by the Division of Student Affairs and reviewed by the Legal Committee. According to the university, it aims to promote “public decency and campus security.”

The dress code introduces strict penalties for various forms of appearance deemed inappropriate. Students wearing dreadlocks, crop tops, off-shoulder outfits, transparent clothing, sagging trousers, visible tattoos, or heavy makeup face suspension for one semester. More severe infractions—such as sporting colored hairstyles or engaging in “unwelcome touching” of the opposite sex—could lead to two semesters of suspension.

Reacting to the policy, newly elected student union leaders—Adelani Oluwatodimu (President), Habeeb Isa (Secretary-General), and Olowosile Oreoluwa (Public Relations Officer)—condemned the dress code as “harsh,” “archaic,” and “undemocratic.” They argue that it infringes on constitutionally guaranteed rights, including:

• Personal liberty (Section 35)
• Freedom of expression and religion (Section 38)
• Freedom of movement (Section 41)
• Protection from discrimination (Section 42)

The union cited a similar incident in 2023, when a dress code policy was revoked after widespread student backlash. They urged university management to rescind the current policy and instead engage in dialogue to protect students’ rights to dress, believe, and express themselves freely.

Interestingly, the Legal Review Committee had recommended a softer approach—such as issuing warnings for first-time offenders—and suggested the university clearly define vague terms like “sexually provocative” to prevent subjective interpretation and enforcement.

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SOURCES: ALLSCHOOL, TRIBUNE