By ABDULKABIR MUHAMMED

A human rights group, the Resistance Against Oppression, Sexual Harassment and Anti-Poor Policies (Rosa), has condemned recent laws enacted by Nigerian universities, Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago-Iwoye, and Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, which restrict students from wearing specific dress codes. In June, the management of Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU) was involved in a controversial video demonstrating its “No bra, No entry policy.”

Similarly, a northern Nigerian university, Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria, announced a new dress code for staff and students. Premium Times reported that the dress code forbade certain clothing items and styles, including shorts, skimpy dresses, tight-fitting outfits, tattoos, ankle chains (for females), and piercing body parts.

While the concerned universities and some Nigerians have praised the policy, the Resistance Against Oppression, Sexual Harassment and Anti-Poor Policies (Rosa), has condemned these actions as old-fashioned and a misplacement of priorities. A recent statement signed by ROSA’s Nigerian coordinator, Jimoh Abibat, reads in part:

“The recent actions by the school management of Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago-Iwoye, in implementing a dress code on campus, are not only misogynistic but also archaic. Videos circulating online show female students being inappropriately touched by security operatives to “check” if they were wearing bras. At this rate, we shouldn’t be surprised if a “no pants, no exam” policy is introduced. This is a clear case of misplaced priorities—especially when the quality of education in the country continues to decline, with budgetary allocations to the sector consistently falling below 10%. Our universities suffer from inadequate laboratories, overcrowded and inhumane lecture theatres, and a dire shortage of qualified lecturers.

“Similarly, Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, recently introduced a dress code policy under the guise of promoting “morally dressed students.” This policy has rightly drawn widespread condemnation. Even self-proclaimed moralists have criticized the ban on coloured hairstyles, dreadlocks (for both male and female students), ankle chains for women, coloured eyeglasses, false eyelashes, and shorts. It begs the question: Are these public universities or religious seminaries?”

The rights group questions the universities’ integrity, claiming that such policies are usually targeted at the less privileged. It says:

“This is not the first time institutions in Nigeria have attempted to impose such dress codes. Over the years, university administrations have issued a range of absurd and intrusive rules targeting students—legal adults—especially young women. These policies are less about discipline or academic excellence and more about control—control of students’ bodies, especially female bodies.”

The group also decries the modes of implementation of the policies: “What is particularly disturbing in the current situation is the method of enforcement. Videos online show security officers harassing and physically inspecting students, primarily women, under the pretense of checking for underwear. This is outright sexual harassment—institutionalized and masquerading as morality enforcement. It is both absurd and alarming that this is happening in 2025, within the supposed safe and intellectual space of a university.”

The Resistance Against Oppression, Sexual Harassment and Anti-Poor Policies (Rosa), has demanded a halt to “all repressive policies’, while calling on student union bodies to rise against such.

“ROSA out rightly rejects this coercive approach. We call on all students, activists, and progressives to resist this backward drift toward authoritarianism. Dress codes that violate personal freedom, bodily autonomy, and individual rights have no place in academic institutions.”

ROSA’s demands are as follows:

· An immediate end to the enforcement of discriminatory dress codes at Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), and all other tertiary institutions. We demand a public apology from the school authorities for the sexual harassment and inappropriate “checks” carried out under the guise of enforcement.

· A total halt to all repressive policies that seek to police and control students’ bodies, especially those of women. Instead, university administrations should focus on addressing the real issues in education—improving hostel conditions, hiring more qualified lecturers, equipping laboratories, and ensuring accessible and affordable education for all.

· Students’ Union bodies in all affected institutions—and by extension the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) to immediately mobilise for coordinated mass actions across campuses to resist all anti-student policies, including dress code harassment, fee hikes, and repression. Students must reclaim their right to organise, speak freely, and be treated with dignity within their institutions.

· A democratic approach to policy-making in tertiary institutions, where students—through their elected unions—have full participation in formulating and reviewing institutional policies.

· Immediate reversal of fee hikes and an end to all anti-poor policies that restrict access to higher education for working-class youth.

· The Federal and State governments increase education funding to at least 26% of the national budget, in line with UNESCO’s recommendation, to overhaul the crumbling infrastructure in the education sector and improve teaching and learning conditions.

· That independent panels investigate the reported cases of sexual harassment and body shaming by security operatives, and that appropriate disciplinary actions be taken against those involved.

· Universities establish anti-harassment policies and gender equality frameworks aimed at protecting students’ rights, dignity, and bodily autonomy.