CONTROVERSY: OAU Students’ Union condemns new Dress Code Policy and Sanctions

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The Great Ife Students’ Union of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, has strongly condemned the university’s newly approved dress code policy, describing it as an infringement on students’ fundamental rights. In a statement 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 the policy.

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The union stated, “We remain committed to protecting our rights,” referencing past incidents such as the 2023 dress code circular that sparked 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”.

The union argued that the policy violates students’ fundamental rights to freedom of expression, personal style, and individuality. “The introduction of sanctions such as rustication for perceived ‘misconducts’ stifles and violates students’ fundamental rights… It also undermines the right to personal liberty as enshrined in Section 35 of the Constitution,” the union stated.

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The Students’ Union called on the university management to distance itself from the punitive policy and urged students to remain united in defending their liberties. The union concluded by calling for an inclusive and respectful learning environment that is free from arbitrary control over personal choices.

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