Olabisi Onabanjo University in Ogun State, Nigeria, has come under fire after a viral video surfaced showing female staff allegedly checking students to see if they were wearing bras before allowing them to enter the examination hall. The actions, depicted in the footage, have drawn sharp criticism from human rights advocates who deem the practice a violation of students' rights.
While the university has yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident, a representative from the student body defended the bra-checking policy as part of a broader dress code aimed at fostering “a distraction-free environment.” Nonetheless, critics have described the enforcement method as archaic, sexist, and even likened it to sexual assault. Haruna Ayagi, a senior official from the Human Rights Network, stressed that the students could potentially pursue legal action against the university for infringing on their rights.
In addition to this incident, students have expressed that strict moral codes are frequently imposed despite the university not having a religious affiliation. One unnamed student disclosed that their attire often undergoes scrutiny, reflecting an ongoing atmosphere of control over students’ wardrobes.
Muizz Olatunji, president of the students' union, addressed the backlash on social media, emphasizing that the dress code policy, aimed at promoting respect and avoiding distractions, is not a novel concept. The union is reportedly in discussions with the university to seek alternative methods of enforcing the policy, while maintaining dignity in interactions between staff and students. The dress code prohibits outfits that could incite "lustful" thoughts from either gender.
Originally established in 1982 under the name Ogun State University, the institution was renamed in honor of former governor Olabisi Onabanjo in 2001. As this story unfolds, further scrutiny of the policies at Olabisi Onabanjo University is anticipated, especially amidst growing concerns for students' rights and well-being.
