- Safiu Kehinde
The management of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Osun state, has denied the approval of its controversial new dress code following backlash.
NPO Reported that the institution had on Thursday come under public scrutiny following release of a memo containing a new dress code and rules with rustication as sanction for violators.
The OAU management had listed 21 new dress codes which also attract rustication for one semester for students who violate the code.
Also included were additional five rules with rustication for two semesters as sanction for violators.
Some of the prohibited mode of dressing and appearances with one month sanction include, sexually provocative dresses, dread locks, bum shorts, tattoo or indelible markings for male, and multi-coloured braid for female.
Dress Code which also attract one month rustication for students include haircuts with inscriptions, heavy make-ups, rumpled and dirty clothes, hair plaiting or weaving by male students, and transparent wears amongst others.
Meanwhile, students who stand at risk of two months rustication include those with coloured hair styles, and male students with hair braiding or spangled hairstyle.
Any student who also gets caught in unwelcome touching, kissing, and hugging of opposite sex as well as massaging or sitting on the lap of opposite sex risk two months rustication.
Reacting to the backlash which welcomed the development, the OAU management in a disclaimer issued on Friday by its Registrar, K.A Bakare, claimed that the document which went viral was not the one approved by the institution’s council.
It urged members of the public to disregard the viral document, adding that the approved new dress code will be released soon.
The statement read in part; “The attention of the Administration of Obafemi Awolowo University has been drawn to a document on dress code for students, supposedly approved by Council.
“Although, Council has approved a dress code for the students of the University, what went viral was not the document approved by Council.
“However, we do hope to release the official dress code version in due course, directed at enhancing academic sensibilities, social decency and ethical standard in line with the University’s motto ”for learning and culture”.
“In view of this development, the general public is hereby informed to disregard the viral document.”