OAU Students’ Union Condemns New Dress Code, Cites Rights Violation

The Great Ife Students’ Union of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, has condemned the recently approved dress code by the university’s Governing Council, describing it as an infringement on students’ fundamental rights.

In a statement issued on Thursday, July 24, 2025, and signed by its President-elect, Adelani Oluwatodimu, Secretary-General-elect, Habeeb Isa, and Public Relations Officer-elect, Olowosile Oreoluwa, the union expressed renewed objection to what it called an “alleged dress code policy” introduced by the university management.

“We remain committed to protecting our rights,” the union said, referencing past incidents such as the 2023 dress code circular, which sparked similar outrage before being walked back by university authorities.

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.

“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 stated.

The union further alleged that the 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 Students’ Union called on the university management to distance itself from the punitive policy as it did in 2023.

It also urged students to remain united in defending their liberties against policies “that threaten to restrict freedom of appearance, belief, or identity.”

The university’s Governing Council, in a document dated June 13, 2025, approved a revised dress code following recommendations from the Division of Student Affairs and the Legal Review Committee.

The document noted that the code was intended to promote public decency and security.

Sanctions listed in the revised dress code include rustication for one semester for offences such as wearing dreadlocks, off-shoulder clothing, crop tops, sagging trousers, and tattoos.

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A second set of violations, such as coloured hairstyles or “unwelcome touching” of the opposite sex, could attract rustication for two semesters.

However, the Legal Review Committee had recommended a more nuanced sanction structure, including official warnings for first-time offenders and more serious penalties for repeat violations.

It also warned against vague terminology like “sexually provocative dresses,” suggesting “indecent dressing” instead to ensure clarity and fairness.

The statement from the Students’ Union concluded with a call for all stakeholders to uphold a learning environment that is inclusive, respectful of diversity, and free from arbitrary control over personal choices.