It is beyond disappointing that in 2025, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) — an institution once known for its revolutionary thinkers, aluta-ism, and progressive academic environment — is even considering implementing a dress code policy that belongs in the Stone Age.
A list has been circulating online, showing alleged sanctions for students who wear dreadlocks, colored hair, off-shoulder tops, earrings (for men), or even hug someone of the opposite sex. And what is the punishment for these so-called “misconducts”?
Rustication — for an entire semester.
For wearing clothes. For earrings. For hairstyles.
Let that sink in.
The dress code reeks of misogyny, control, and moral policing disguised as “culture.”
It is sad that a university that was once a beacon of critical thought is now attempting to turn itself into a mini-theocracy, where religious conservatism replaces academic excellence, and students are judged not by their ideas but by what they wear or how they style their hair.
The idea that dreadlocks, colored braids, or “mini skirts” are punishable offenses says more about the administration’s insecurities than it does about students’ character.
And what’s worse, it targets women disproportionately. If it’s not misogyny or hypocrisy, why is it always women’s clothing that becomes the battleground for morality?
We cannot ignore how this move reflects an increasing, disturbing blend of religious fundamentalism and academic governance.
OAU, a federal university meant for all Nigerians regardless of faith or culture, is beginning to echo the tone of a religious cult.
What business does a secular university have dictating morality based on appearances? Why is modesty suddenly a requirement for education? And whose definition of “modesty” are we using?
This is not about culture. This is not about discipline. This is an attempt to control, to silence, to shame.
It is the patriarchy, repackaged in university memo formatting, now trying to police women’s bodies and erase expression in the name of “learning and culture.”
Is this the same university whose alumni once fought for democracy and human rights? What happened to the once-known Aluta spirit?
The worst thing is that there are backward-thinking students who actually want this policy to be implemented.
I was in a class group where someone—a girl— sent a screenshot of the alleged dress code with the caption “LOL.” Another student—a guy I have never genuinely liked—sent this in response;
“This is bad sha, but you ladies are doing too much”
Do you see that? He condemned the dress code, while at the same time judging the ladies who would be the recipients of the punishment. He ignored the fact that there are punishments for guys who disobey and placed his focus on the ladies. If this is not misogyny, I don’t know what else is.
He eventually deleted his reply, but the message has been passed already. The damage is already done.
Young people come to university to learn, to grow, to question, and to discover themselves — not to be punished for expressing themselves.
A student’s hairstyle or outfit should never determine their right to education. No one should live in fear of rustication because they wore an earring or a colored braid or freaking “bomb shorts.”
We must resist this. We must speak up — loudly, unapologetically.
OAU cannot be allowed to become a shrine for conservative ideologies. It must remain a place of learning and progress, not judgment and punishment. A place where every student feels free to exist and learn without being criminalized for their appearance.
OAU, do better.
Written by Mayoress.
