OAU clarifies draft Dress Codes as students oppose proposal

*The Management of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria, explain though the new Dress Codes have yet to get the Governing Council’s approval, ‘there is no way somebody can be rewarding learning and character without some degree of decency, particularly in the mode of dressing’

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

The Management of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Nigeria, have explained the list of new Dress Codes, titled: “Decision Extract”, and dated June 13, 2025, currently circulating on the social media is a mere draft, and the University’s Governing Council officially, has not approved it.

ConsumerConnect reports the OAU, in the list of Dress Codes, has enumerated prohibited dress styles and accessories, reportedly following recommendations from the Division of Students Affairs and the Legal Review Committee.

In regard to the core objective of the dress policy, the document indicated the Management noted that the revised Dress Codes are intended to “promote public decency and security” in the University community.

The proposed Dress Codes included dreadlocks, heavy makeup, nose rings, multi-coloured hairstyles, and hair braiding for male students.

The University authorities also proposed rustication of any students found violating the proposed dress codes for one or two semesters.

The draft of the Dress Codes, which reportedly surfaced online earlier this week, contained a detailed list of what the institution termed “indecent dressing” among students in the University.

Among several other offences from “indecent dressing” included in the list are transparent clothing, bum shorts, tattered jeans, sagging trousers, tattoos, off-shoulder tops, crop tops, and any T-shirts with obscene inscriptions depicting immorality or hooliganism.

The draft document also noted bans on unconventional wearing of face caps, faring and cowries, haircuts with inscriptions, and unwelcome touching, hugging, or kissing of the opposite sex on campus.

The OAU Dress Codes list further stated that both male and female students must avoid styles deemed to undermine moral or academic integrity.

PRO: Governing Council yet to approve draft Dress Codes

Speaking on the development, Abiodun Olarewaju, Public Relations Officer (PRO) of OAU, reportedly emphasised that the Dress Codes list is not final, and has yet to receive the approval of the University’s Governing Council.

Olarewaju’s clarification came following certain reports in some section of the media claiming the University has banned heavy makeups, sagging, tattoos, and others in a new policy, and has threatened to rusticate erring students.

The institution’s imagemaker further stated: “So, we have not finalised so many things there, but some people just smuggled it out to alert the public.

“The Management is currently applying finishing touches to the proposed code and will officially release it once concluded.”

Explaining the University’s rationale for drafting the dress codes to curb excesses, Olarewaju said: “The University is working on the Dress Codes because after completion of their (students’) studies, the certificates read that they are awarded in character and in learning.

“There is no way somebody can be rewarding learning and character without some degree of decency, particularly in the mode of dressing.”

The Public Relations Officer also averred: “When we are done with it, we will make it public so that our students, particularly, will know that in the University, there are ways you dress that will not insult the academic sensibilities and moral sanctity of some other people.”

Why we oppose OAU Management’s proposed Dress Codes –Students’ Union

Reacting to the leaked, viral draft Dress Codes for students, the Great Ife Students’ Union has expressed its to the proposed dressing policy.

The Students’ Union Government, in a joint statement Thursday, July 24, 2025, by President, Adelaide David, Secretary-General, Habeeb Oke, and Public Relations Officer, Olowosile Joseph, described the Dress Codes as outdated and repressive.

The Union urged the University authorities to abandon the draft codes entirely.

The statement also noted: “The Great Ife Students’ Union is reaffirming its strong opposition to the trending alleged University Management’s consideration of a dress code policy.

“Reflecting on past instances, including the misleading circulars that surfaced in 2023, and the subsequent Management clarifications, we remain committed to protecting our rights.”

The students further described the proposed measures outlined in the draft Dress Codes as a violation of students’ constitutional rights, particularly their freedom of expression, liberty, and individuality.

They equally argued that that students should be allowed to express themselves without facing punitive actions, based on outward appearance.

The students’ body described the sanctions, ranging from one to two semesters of rustication for certain dress code violations, as “harsh” and “archaic”, asserting that such measures contradict constitutional freedoms.

They said: “The introduction of sanctions such as rustication for perceived ‘misconducts’ stifles and violates students’ fundamental rights to freedom of expression, personal style, and individuality.

“It also undermines the right to personal liberty as enshrined in Section 35 of the Constitution.”

The Union further alleged that the dress policy threatens other rights including freedom of thought, conscience, and religion (Section 38), freedom of movement (Section 41), and protection from discrimination (Section 42).

The statement noted: “The policy stifles and violates students’ fundamental rights to freedom of expression, personal style, and individuality.

“We call on students to stand together in unity against the dress codes, and any measures that seek to undermine their rights.”

Recalling similar attempts to introduce restrictive regulations without due consultation or clarity, the Students’ Union decried what it described as a pattern of misinformation from the University.

The Students’ leaders added: “We remain vigilant and united in defending the interests and freedoms of our students.”

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