Outrage As Nigerian University Staff Check Female Students For Bras Before Exams
A Nigerian university has come under intense criticism after a viral video showed female students being physically checked to confirm if they were wearing bras before being allowed into an examination hall.
The footage, captured at Olabisi Onabanjo University in Ogun State, south-west Nigeria, shows female staff members touching the chests of some students as they queued to take their exams.
The university has yet to issue an official response to the video, but the president of the students’ union, Muizz Olatunji, defended the policy as part of the institution’s dress code, which he said aims to promote modesty and maintain a “distraction-free environment.” However, he acknowledged the need for alternative, respectful methods of enforcement.
Human rights advocates and members of the public have condemned the practice, calling it outdated, sexist, and potentially unlawful. Haruna Ayagi, a senior official with the Human Rights Network, told the BBC that the method amounted to a violation of students’ rights and could warrant legal action.
“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,” Ayagi said.
A student, who asked to remain anonymous, described the school as enforcing a strict moral code, despite not being affiliated with any religious organisation. She said students were routinely scrutinised for their appearance.
In response to the backlash, Olatunji posted on social media platform X, saying that the dress code policy was longstanding and not intended to harass students. He said the students’ union had been in discussions with the university administration to seek “respectful and dignified” alternatives for upholding the institution’s standards.
He also shared details of the dress code, which prohibits attire “capable of making the same or opposite sex to lust after the student in an indecent manner.”
Founded in 1982 as Ogun State University during the tenure of Governor Olabisi Onabanjo, the institution was renamed after him in 2001.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
Follow us on:
