Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, has taken a strong stance against moral and dressing concerns on campus with the implementation of a comprehensive set of guidelines. The newly revised students’ handbook introduces a series of measures aimed at curbing indecent dressing and improper behavior.
Among the new rules, public displays of affection such as kissing and hugging between opposite sexes have been prohibited. The university has also banned skimpy clothing, tinted hair, tattoos, and face coverings. Additionally, sitting on each other’s laps and wearing sexually suggestive attire are no longer permissible.
The university’s management emphasized that attire like backless clothes, transparent garments, off-shoulder outfits, bum shorts, tattered jeans, dreadlocks, earrings for males, cowries for females, and micro/mini dresses are now considered violations of the dress code.
The guidelines extend to male and female students alike, with bans on sagging trousers or knickers, hair braiding for males, unconventional wearing of caps, and rings on noses, mouths, eyes, or other body parts. Similarly, clothing with obscene inscriptions, hooliganism-related messages, or immorality depictions are strictly prohibited.
To reinforce these regulations, the university has stated that violators will face consequences ranging from a one-semester rustication for dress code violations to two semesters for more severe infractions. This includes students engaging in physical contact like touching, kissing, hugging, or sitting on each other’s laps. Additionally, students found with colored hairstyles, hair braiding, or spangled hairstyles (for males) will be subject to stricter penalties.
While emphasizing the importance of neat and well-groomed appearance for male students, the school has clarified that hair should be of natural color and free from extravagant haircuts or designs. The university’s administration hopes that these measures will contribute to a more respectful and decorous campus environment.