OGUN STATE, Nigeria —A public university in southwestern Nigeria is facing mounting criticism after a video surfaced showing female students being physically checked to see if they were wearing bras before entering an examination hall.
The footage, which spread widely on social media this week, was taken at Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), located in Ogun State. In it, female staff members can be seen touching the chests of students lined up outside an exam room.
The incident has sparked widespread outrage across Nigeria, with many accusing the institution of crossing both moral and legal boundaries.
“This is not just inappropriate it is a clear violation of personal dignity,” said Haruna Ayagi, a senior official at Human Rights Network, in an interview with the BBC. “Unwarranted touches on another person’s body can amount to sexual harassment and may be grounds for legal action.”
‘Strict Moral Code’
The university itself has yet to issue an official statement. However, the students’ union president, Muizz Olatunji, took to X (formerly Twitter) to clarify that the university’s dress code policy is not new. According to him, the institution aims to promote “a respectful and distraction-free environment” by encouraging modest dressing.
He admitted, however, that the method used in this instance was troubling.
“We’ve engaged the university to find more respectful ways of dealing with such issues,” Olatunji wrote. “The focus must shift to dignity and mutual respect between students and staff.”
One student, who asked not to be named for fear of repercussions, said the university has long enforced a strict dress code, even though it is not a religious institution.
“We are constantly being checked,” she said. “Now they’re checking for underwear. It’s humiliating.”
Critics Call It Sexist, Outdated
The policy itself, shared by the students’ union online, bans clothing that could “make the same or opposite sex to lust after the student in an indecent manner” wording critics say is vague, sexist, and outdated.
Activists and legal experts say the university’s actions may have breached constitutional rights to personal liberty and privacy.
“This is not just a dress code issue. This is about bodily autonomy and respect,” said Lagos-based rights lawyer Temitope Ige. “If the university believes a student is dressed inappropriately, there are far more appropriate channels to handle that without subjecting anyone to physical inspection.”
Background
Olabisi Onabanjo University, formerly known as Ogun State University, was founded in 1982 and renamed in 2001 to honour the state’s former governor. Though it does not have religious affiliations, it has become known for enforcing a conservative campus culture.
So far, there has been no indication of disciplinary action against staff involved in the incident.
As public anger grows, many students and rights groups are calling for the university to apologise and reform its enforcement measures.
“This shouldn’t be happening in 2025,” said one female student. “We came here to learn not to be policed.”
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