The University of Ilesa, located in Osun State, Nigeria, has implemented a stringent dress code policy for its students, effective immediately. The institution’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Taiwo Asaolu, announced the new directive during the second matriculation ceremony for the 2024/2025 academic session. The policy aims to uphold standards of decency and decorum within the university environment and emphasizes the importance of maintaining a respectable image both within and outside the institution’s premises. The Vice-Chancellor stressed that the university’s commitment to academic excellence goes hand in hand with fostering an environment conducive to learning and personal development, and appropriate attire is considered integral to this goal.
The dress code policy explicitly prohibits any form of indecent dressing, particularly attire that exposes sensitive body parts. This includes clothing considered too revealing or provocative, which may be deemed offensive or disruptive to the academic environment. The university administration believes that such attire detracts from the seriousness of the academic pursuits and can create an atmosphere of disrespect. The Vice-Chancellor underscored that the university community comprises individuals from diverse backgrounds and sensitivities, and a shared responsibility exists to maintain an environment where everyone feels comfortable and respected. Therefore, students are expected to dress in a manner that reflects the values of the institution and promotes a positive learning environment.
To ensure the effective implementation of the dress code, all university staff, both teaching and non-teaching, have been authorized to enforce the policy. They are instructed to deny improperly dressed students access to lectures, offices, and other university facilities. This measure aims to create a consistent application of the dress code across the entire campus and reinforce the seriousness with which the university views this matter. The Vice-Chancellor emphasized that this is not merely a matter of aesthetics but a reflection of the university’s commitment to maintaining an environment conducive to learning and respectful interaction among all members of the community.
Further bolstering the enforcement mechanism, the university’s security personnel and the Directorate of Internal Quality Assurance and Servicom have been empowered to apprehend students found in violation of the dress code. These individuals will be subject to appropriate sanctions, which will be determined based on the severity of the infraction. This measure aims to deter repeated violations and underscores the university’s commitment to maintaining discipline and order within its premises. The Vice-Chancellor reiterated that the university’s primary focus is the academic and personal development of its students, and a disciplined environment is essential for achieving this objective.
In addition to the dress code, the Vice-Chancellor also addressed the issue of student identification. To facilitate easy identification and prevent any potential misunderstandings with security personnel, all students are required to visibly display their identity cards at all times while on university grounds. Students can wear their ID cards around their necks or display them in their chest pockets. This measure will enable security personnel to quickly and easily identify students, streamlining access to university facilities and preventing any unnecessary delays or confrontations.
Beyond the dress code and identification requirements, the Vice-Chancellor also addressed broader issues of student conduct. He strongly cautioned students against engaging in any form of indiscipline, including cultism, bullying, hooliganism, harassment, and other disruptive behaviors. He emphasized that such actions would attract severe penalties, ranging from suspension to expulsion, depending on the nature and severity of the offense. The university is committed to providing a safe and secure learning environment for all its students, and any behavior that threatens this environment will not be tolerated. The Vice-Chancellor urged students to report any instances of intimidation or pressure to join unregistered or anti-social groups to the university’s security unit or the Director of Student Affairs. He assured students that their reports would be treated with the utmost confidentiality and that appropriate action would be taken to address the situation. He encouraged students to prioritize their academic pursuits and personal development, reminding them that the university offers a wealth of resources and support services to help them succeed.
