BREAKING! "No Bra, No Exam": Popular Nigerian University Enforces New Dress Code/Moral Conducts

A controversial dress code enforcement at Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, has triggered widespread public outrage and intense online debate after reports emerged that female students were barred from writing their examinations for not wearing bras.

The policy, dubbed informally as “No Bra, No Exam,” reportedly led to several students being denied entry into examination halls during ongoing semester exams. Eyewitness accounts suggest that campus security personnel and invigilators were instructed to strictly enforce the rule, resulting in some students missing exams or being forced to return to their hostels to change.

“I was stopped from entering the hall because the female security official said I wasn’t wearing a bra,” a student, who spoke anonymously, told reporters. “I was embarrassed and confused. I had to rush back and borrow one just to write my paper.”

Management’s Unofficial Response

Although no official memo has been issued, sources within the university claim the enforcement is part of a broader effort to curb “indecent dressing” and maintain decorum on campus, especially during exams. The university’s management, however, has not made a formal statement confirming or denying the existence of such a dress code in its regulations.

Outrage from Students and Activists

The development has drawn sharp criticism from students, rights groups, and legal experts. Many have condemned the practice as discriminatory, patriarchal, and a violation of personal privacy and students' rights.

Legal commentators argue that implementing such a rule without clear documentation or legal backing could amount to a breach of constitutional rights and bodily autonomy. Gender advocates have labeled it a form of harassment, calling on the university to prioritize academic integrity and student well-being over moral policing.

Online Reactions and Public Backlash

The hashtag #NoBraNoExam has trended across social media platforms, with users lambasting what they describe as an outdated and misogynistic policy. While a few commentators supported the emphasis on modesty, the overwhelming majority demanded clarity, fairness, and respect for personal freedom in educational institutions.

Call for Clarification and Reform

Student union leaders and civil society organizations are urging the university management to issue an official statement clarifying its position and to immediately halt any unofficial enforcement pending proper consultation. Many have also called on regulatory bodies like the National Universities Commission (NUC) to intervene and establish clear, rights-based guidelines on campus dress codes.

As of the time of filing this report, efforts to reach OOU’s public relations department for an official comment were unsuccessful.