Concerns about a dress code at Olabisi Onabanjo University arise as footage of staff checking female students for bras before exams circulates online. Critics accuse the policy of being archaic and disrespectful, while student leaders defend it as a necessary means to ensure a distraction-free environment.
Controversy Erupts Over 'Bra Check’ Policy at Nigerian University
Controversy Erupts Over 'Bra Check’ Policy at Nigerian University
A Nigerian university faces backlash after a video shows female students being checked for bras before exams, leading to claims of sexism and violations of rights.
A recent incident at Olabisi Onabanjo University in Ogun State, Nigeria, has sparked significant outrage after a video surfaced showing female students being touched to verify their adherence to a bra-wearing policy prior to taking exams. In the footage, female faculty members can be seen conducting these checks as students line up to enter the examination hall.
While the university has yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident, a student leader has defended the bra policy, arguing that it is part of a broader dress code aimed at creating "a distraction-free environment" for all learners. However, many critics have condemned the practice as archaic, sexist, and likened it to acts of sexual assault.
Haruna Ayagi, a senior official at the Human Rights Network, emphasized that such unwarranted physical contact constitutes a violation of individual rights and could result in legal repercussions against the university. "The method they have employed to enforce dress codes is wrong," he stated, underscoring the need for alternative solutions that respect students' dignity.
An unnamed student disclosed that the university has a history of enforcing strict dress codes, despite its non-religious status, with ongoing checks on students' clothing choices. In an effort to address the backlash, Muizz Olatunji, president of the university's student union, took to X (formerly Twitter) to emphasize the importance of maintaining a respectful atmosphere while promoting modest dress in line with the institution's values.
He shared the existing dress code details, which prohibit attire that could provoke inappropriate feelings in others. Originally founded in 1982 as Ogun State University, the institution was renamed in 2001 after its former governor, Olabisi Onabanjo. The debate surrounding the dress policy has raised critical questions about the intersection of education, morality, and personal rights in Nigeria.
