Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ogun State, has once again stirred controversy over its dress code enforcement this time for allegedly conducting invasive physical checks on female students to confirm if they are wearing bras before granting them access to examination halls.
This development, which has sparked widespread criticism across social media, comes three years after the university made headlines in 2022 for reportedly barring students from entering the campus for not wearing shoes.
Viral Video Sparks Public Backlash
A short video lasting just 11 seconds surfaced online on Monday, showing male and female students lining up outside their department just before an examination. In the footage, several female staff members appear to be physically inspecting female students by touching their chests to determine if they are wearing bras. One female student is seen being pulled out of the line, presumably for not meeting the requirement.
Multiple students confirmed to Naijapunchnews that the footage was authentic and captured in real time at the university, just before an examination session commenced.
Students Call It Harassment, Not Decency
While the university claims its strict dress code is part of an effort to uphold modesty, several students who spoke under anonymity described the act as a form of harassment and bodily violation, particularly when done without consent and under public scrutiny.
One student lamented:
“This is not a secondary school. We are adults. Wearing a bra is a personal choice. Sometimes, wearing a bra all day can be painful. To subject us to such humiliating physical checks is disgraceful.”
Several final-year students revealed that such treatment has persisted for years, especially during Computer-Based Tests (CBT), where entry procedures are often more scrutinized. “It’s not new. When I was in 100 or 200 level, we were lined up and physically examined the same way. Some security women would touch our breasts and even down our bodies. I was humiliated,” one female student said.
Student Union President Defends Policy, Urges Humane Enforcement
Reacting to the public outrage, Muizz Olanrewaju Olatunji, President of the Students' Union Government (SUG) at OOU, acknowledged the policy’s existence but called for more respectful and appropriate methods of enforcement.
Sharing the university's guidelines on indecent dressing via his official X (formerly Twitter) handle, Olatunji wrote:
“'No bra, no entry' is not a new policy at OOU. The university maintains a dress code that promotes modesty and orderliness.”
However, he admitted that the approach shown in the viral video is questionable.
“I was actually expecting a conversation about alternative enforcement methods, especially since exams have commenced. Unfortunately, it seems the focus is on pushing a different agenda.”
Female Students Speak Out: “We Are Not Comfortable”
Several female students interviewed said the policy disregards their comfort and autonomy. One student noted:
“Many of us wear bralettes or undershirts, which serve the same purpose. Yet, if the security staff don’t feel a padded bra, we are sent back. Sometimes, people are forced to borrow bras from strangers just to be allowed into the exam hall.”
Another student described the experience as borderline molestation:
“Even if the school wants to prevent exam malpractice, this isn’t the way. CBT exams last a few minutes how would anyone even have time to cheat? It’s humiliating and completely unnecessary.”
Public Reaction: "Respect for Students’ Bodies Must Come First"
The incident has attracted condemnation from rights advocates, alumni, and civil society groups who argue that the enforcement method crosses the line into physical abuse and could have psychological effects on young women.
Calls are growing for the university management to investigate the matter, issue clear guidelines on permissible enforcement methods, and discipline any staff who violated students’ rights.
Final Thoughts
As discussions continue, many students say they’re more concerned with completing their education than continuing to endure what they view as harassment disguised as discipline.
“We are just trying to graduate and get out of this place with our dignity intact,” said a final-year student. “This constant policing of our bodies is draining.”
The university has yet to issue an official statement addressing the viral video and the mounting criticism, but pressure is building for a transparent response and immediate policy reform.
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