In brief
A Nigerian university's invasive dress code, requiring female students to prove they're wearing bras before exams, faces severe backlash. Critics label the practice outdated and inappropriate, raising concerns over student rights.
A university in Nigeria is under fire after a controversial policy requiring female students to demonstrate they are wearing bras before entering an examination hall went viral. The incident took place at Olabisi Onabanjo University in Ogun State, where videos show female staff checking students as they queue. While a student leader argued that the bra-checking was part of a dress code intended to ensure a distraction-free environment, many view it as an archaic and sexist practice, akin to sexual assault. Human Rights Network officials pointed out that the unwarranted touching constitutes a violation of students' rights, potentially exposing the university to legal repercussions.A student, who opted to remain anonymous, shared that the dress code is rigorously enforced despite the university not being religiously affiliated. In response to the growing outrage, Muizz Olatunji, president of the students' union, defended the policy but acknowledged the need to engage in respectful and dignified ways of enforcing dress code regulations. He reiterated that the university promotes modest dressing aligned with its values. Founded in 1982, the university has faced scrutiny over its moral guidelines, raising questions about the balance between institutional regulations and individual rights.
