Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) in Nigeria has sparked controversy by implementing a new dress code policy for both students and staff, stating that the move aims to foster a professional and modest atmosphere on campus.
The dress code policy which is contained in a University’s Special Bulletin issued on June 16, SaharaReporters’ obtained on Wednesday, said it prohibits a range of clothing items and styles, including shorts, skimpy dresses, body-hugging outfits, and transparent or see-through clothing.
The Bulletin signed by the University Management is titled: “Ahmadu Bello University Dress Code”.
The code also discourages unkempt appearances, such as bushy hair and beards, and prohibits specific items like earrings for male students and ankle chains for female students.
According to the policy, students and staff who fail to comply with the dress code will face sanctions.
The bulletin partly read: “The Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Dress Code Implementation Committee, reconstituted by the Management, has revised the provisions of the ABU Dress Code that is applicable to both staff and students.
“The following descriptions and elements henceforth constitute indecent and offensive dressing as well as unacceptable appearance in public spaces in the university, and are considered as acts of misconduct:
“Wearing shorts and skimpy dresses e.g., body hugs, show-me-your-chest, spaghetti wears and dresses exposing sensitive parts.
“Wearing tights, shorts and skirts that are above the knees (except for sporting purposes). Wearing Tattered jeans with holes. Transparent and see through dresses.
“Wearing tight fittings e.g. jeans skirts, hip star, patra, lakra etc. that reveal the contour of the body.
“Under-clothing, such as singlets worn publicly. Unkempt appearance, such as bushy hair and beards. Dresses that make it impossible to wear laboratory coat during practicals or participate actively in practicals.
“Long and tight skirts which are opened in front, back or at the sides which reveal sensitive parts as the wearer moves on. Wearing of t-shirts with obscene captions.
“Wearing shirts without buttons or not properly buttoned, leaving the wearer bare chested. Wearing of earrings by male students.”
Additionally, “Plaiting or weaving of hair by male students. Wearing of coloured eye glasses, not on medical grounds in the classrooms. Wearing of bathroom slippers to classrooms (not on medical grounds).
“Wearing of trousers that stop between knee and ankle. Having multi-colour braid for female. Having coloured hair styling. Having dreadlocks by male or female. Spangle hair style for male.
“Tattoo, piercing of body parts for lip plug/dic, mouth plate, nose ring and eyelet. Wearing of ankle chain by female. Wearing of long eyelashes by female. Wearing of Sagging/ass-down by both male and female. Engaging in intimate open embrace (hugging/kissing). Openly sitting on each other’s lap by opposite sex, and Unconventional wearing of face cap,” it partly read.
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The policy has sparked debate among students and staff, with some arguing that it infringes on their rights and freedoms.
