Controversial Bra Check Policy at Nigerian University Draws Backlash

The implementation of a "no-bra, no-exam" rule at a Nigerian university has led to widespread criticism and claims of violation of students' rights, with calls for alternative approaches to enforce dress code policies.

A university in Nigeria has ignited a storm of controversy after a video surfaced, capturing female students being physically checked to verify if they were wearing bras prior to participating in an exam. The recorded footage depicts female staff at Olabisi Onabanjo University in Ogun State conducting checks on students' chests as they line up outside the examination hall.

While the university has remained silent on the matter, a student leader has come forth to defend the bra policy, asserting that it is part of the institution's dress code designed to maintain "a distraction-free environment." This statement, however, has not mitigated backlash from critics who have condemned the practice as archaic, sexist, and akin to sexual assault.

Human Rights Network officials criticized the university's actions, warning that the unwarranted touching constitutes a violation of personal rights and could result in legal repercussions. "Unwarranted touches on another person's body is a violation and could lead to legal action. The university is wrong to adopt this method to curb indecent dressing," stated senior member Haruna Ayagi, highlighting the potential for students to pursue legal action against the institution.

A student wishing to remain anonymous revealed that the university imposes stringent moral codes despite not being formally affiliated with any religion, revealing a pervasive culture of dress code inspections.

In light of the uproar, the president of the university's student union, Muizz Olatunji, took to X to affirm that the university encourages a dress-code policy intended to foster respect and a distraction-free atmosphere. Olatunji remarked that this policy was not new and noted that the union had engaged with the university to explore alternative measures for addressing issues pertaining to indecent dressing, emphasizing the need for respectful interactions.

He then shared the official dress code guidelines, which include prohibitions on clothing that may provoke unwarranted attention or lust from others. Olabisi Onabanjo University was established in 1982 as Ogun State University, and later adopted its current name in 2001 to honor Governor Olabisi Onabanjo.