By ILE-IFE – Tensions are running high at the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State, as the university management and the Students’ Union head towards a likely showdown over a newly introduced dress code policy, which has sparked widespread controversy across the campus.
The policy, approved by the university’s Governing Council and officially announced in a circular posted on the school’s verified X (formerly Twitter) account on Thursday, seeks to clamp down on what the institution has termed “indecent dressing.”
The circular states that the new rules are intended to “promote discipline and modesty” within the university community, and to preserve the institution’s “cultural and moral values.”
What The Policy Says
According to the document dated 13 June 2025, the revised dress code bars students from wearing:
Revealing outfits such as crop tops, mini-skirts, off-shoulder tops, and transparent clothing;
Sagging trousers; Brightly dyed hair, elaborate dreadlocks, and unconventional haircuts;
Excessive use of accessories or makeup;
Any clothing or appearance deemed “unconventional” or “distracting” in an academic environment.
The university insists that the measure is not only aimed at promoting public decency but also at enhancing campus security and creating an atmosphere more conducive to academic excellence.
However, what has caused the most stir is the severity of the sanctions attached to the policy.
Students caught violating the dress code face rustication ranging from one to two semesters.
Specific infractions such as dreadlocks, sagging, tattoos, and revealing clothing may result in a one-semester suspension.
More severe violations—including brightly coloured hairstyles and “unwelcome touching” of the opposite sex—could lead to two semesters of rustication.
The controversial circular
Student Backlash
In a swift and strongly-worded response obtained, the Students’ Union has rejected the policy in its entirety, describing it as “harsh,” “archaic,” and a direct violation of students’ constitutional rights.
A joint statement, released on Thursday, 24 July 2025, and signed by the President-elect of the Students’ Union, Adelani Oluwatodimu; Secretary-General-elect, Habeeb Isa; and Public Relations Officer-elect, Olowosile Oreoluwa, and made available to Stonix News, condemned the dress code and the associated sanctions.
“The introduction of sanctions such as rustication for perceived ‘misconducts’ stifles and violates students’ fundamental rights to freedom of expression, personal style, and individuality,” the statement read.
The union argued that the policy infringes on several sections of the Nigerian Constitution, including:
Section 35 – Right to personal liberty; Section 38 – Freedom of thought, conscience, and religion;
Section 41 – Freedom of movement; Section 42 – Protection from discrimination.
“This policy does not only criminalise expression and diversity but also sets a dangerous precedent of moral policing in an academic institution that should foster intellectual and cultural freedom,” the union leaders added.
They also recalled a similar controversy in 2023, when a proposed dress code faced massive student resistance and was ultimately withdrawn by the university authorities following nationwide backlash.
Legal Concerns And Committee Recommendations
Sources within the university disclosed that the policy originated from recommendations submitted by the Division of Student Affairs and the Legal Review Committee. However, the Legal Review Committee reportedly cautioned against several aspects of the proposal.
The committee had recommended a more graduated disciplinary system, beginning with official warnings for first-time offenders and escalating only for repeated violations. It also raised concerns about the vagueness of terms such as “sexually provocative dresses,” advising that such language be replaced with more objective phrasing like “indecent dressing” to prevent inconsistent enforcement.
Despite these suggestions, the final policy adopted by the Governing Council appears to have retained much of the original language and stringent penalties, prompting fresh tensions between management and the student body.
Call For Reversal
The Students’ Union has called on the university to rescind the policy, urging OAU authorities to take a more progressive and rights-conscious approach, just as they did in 2023.
“We encourage all students to remain united in defending their liberties against policies that threaten to restrict freedom of appearance, belief, or identity,” the union said.
As of the time of filing this report, the university management has not issued a formal response to the union’s statement or addressed the growing criticism.
With no signs of compromise yet, the university community braces for what may become a major confrontation between school authorities and students over the limits of institutional regulation in a democratic society.
Recall that a similar archaic policy is playing out in Delta State as reported by Stonix News during which the Delta State Police Command’s Image-maker, SP Bright Edafe, posted a video on his X handle urging policemen to arrest ladies deemed indecently dressed across the state.
ALSO READ: https://stonixnews.com/midnight-drama-warri-police-arrest-lady-over-indecent-dressing/
Despite a barrage of backlash that followed the directive, there have been reported cases of ladies even on the streets of Warri at midnight being accosted, harassed, arrested and extorted by law enforcement agents over alleged indecent dressing.
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