Great Ife Students’ Union rejects alleged dress code policy

By: Matthew Ogunwale

The Great Ife Students’ Union has officially expressed strong opposition to a proposed plan by the university council and management to implement a dress code policy for students. They describe this initiative as unconstitutional, regressive, and a threat to students’ rights.

In a statement released by the Union’s leadership, consisting of President-elect Adelani David Oluwatodimu (Itabi), Secretary General-elect Habeeb Oke Isa (OPEYEMI), and Public Relations Officer-elect Olowosile Joseph Oreoluwa, condemned what they term the “alleged consideration” of enforcing a dress code by the university management.

The Union pointed to previous attempts in 2023 to impose a similar policy through what they described as “misleading circulars.” These attempts resulted in significant backlash from the student body, prompting a clarification from the university management that distanced itself from the controversial policy.

The re-emergence of discussions about such a policy in 2025 is viewed by the Students’ Union as concerning and unacceptable.
The statement noted that some of the documents circulating propose severe penalties, including rustication for one or two semesters, for students found in violation of the supposed dress code.

The Union argues that such sanctions infringe on students’ constitutional rights, particularly the rights to freedom of expression and individuality as outlined in Sections 35, 37, 38, 41, and 42 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
“Obafemi Awolowo University is primarily a place for learning and intellectual development,” the statement reads. “Policies that threaten students with rustication based on perceived misconduct related to dress or appearance are not only outdated but also dangerous. They restrict personal freedom, creativity, and expression, values that are vital to academic growth and self-discovery.”

Furthermore, the Union emphasised that enforcing a dress code undermines the constitutional rights to personal liberty (Section 35) and privacy (Section 37). Additionally, it could lead to indirect discrimination (Section 42), particularly against students who dress in a manner that reflects their cultural identity, religious beliefs, or personal convictions.

Calling for unity among students, the statement urged all individuals to resist any attempts to erode the hard-won freedoms that characterise the Great Ife identity. The leadership warned that any policy restricting freedom of thought, conscience, movement, or expression would be met with organised resistance.