The Great Ife Students’ Union of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, has strongly opposed the recently approved dress code by the university’s Governing Council, describing it as a violation of students’ fundamental rights.

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

The union referenced a similar dress code circular issued in 2023, which had triggered student backlash and was eventually reversed. “We remain committed to protecting our rights,” the union said, calling the latest policy a revival of previously rejected ideas.

Among its major concerns were the disciplinary measures attached to the new dress code, which include rustication for one or two semesters for certain violations. The union described these penalties as “harsh,” “archaic,” and inconsistent with modern democratic norms.

“The introduction of sanctions such as rustication for perceived ‘misconducts’ stifles and violates students’ rights to freedom of expression, personal style, and individuality,” the union stated, citing Section 35 of Nigeria’s Constitution, which guarantees personal liberty.

The students also warned that the policy threatens additional rights enshrined in the Constitution, including freedom of thought, conscience, and religion (Section 38), freedom of movement (Section 41), and protection from discrimination (Section 42).

The union called on the university management to reverse the policy, just as it did in 2023, urging school authorities to adopt a more inclusive and respectful approach to student conduct.

According to a university document dated June 13, 2025, the dress code was approved by the Governing Council following recommendations from the Division of Student Affairs and the Legal Review Committee. The code, according to the council, was designed to promote public decency and ensure campus security.

However, the policy lists rustication as punishment for wearing dreadlocks, crop tops, off-shoulder clothing, sagging trousers, tattoos, coloured hairstyles, and even “unwelcome touching” of the opposite sex. These provisions have drawn widespread criticism from students.

The Legal Review Committee had reportedly advised a more moderate approach, recommending official warnings for first-time offenders and cautioning against vague terms like “sexually provocative dresses,” suggesting “indecent dressing” instead to ensure fairness.