A viral video from Nigeria’s Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU) has triggered nationwide backlash after it appeared to show female students being physically checked for bras before being allowed to sit for exams.
In the video, two women are seen touching the breasts of students in a queue, allegedly to confirm they were wearing bras. One student was visibly removed from the line after being inspected. The clip, which has now been viewed thousands of times online, has sparked serious concerns around dignity, consent, and human rights.
Student Union Defends the Policy of OOU
Muizz Olanrewaju Olatunji, a student union leader at OOU, acknowledged the incident and claimed the “no bra, no entry” practice aligns with the school’s broader dress code aimed at promoting modesty and reducing distractions during exams.
According to Olatunji, the university discourages any attire that exposes sensitive body parts such as “breasts, buttocks, nipples and belly-buttons” — part of what it defines as “indecent dressing.”
Human Rights Experts Speak Out
However, the enforcement method has been widely condemned. Human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong called it “draconian” and “degrading,” warning that the policy could amount to sexual harassment.
“Physically examining the bodies of students is undignifying,” Effiong told CNN. “There could be medical reasons why some students choose not to wear bras.”
He further argued that applying the policy without consideration for individual needs is arbitrary and may open the institution to legal repercussions.
Silence from the Administration
Despite the widespread outrage, OOU administration has yet to release an official statement. Students have confirmed to CNN that exams started this week, but the university has neither confirmed nor denied the existence of a “no bra” rule.
A Call for Respectful Alternatives
Student leader Olatunji has since stated that discussions are ongoing with the school’s management to find more respectful ways to enforce dress standards — approaches that preserve student dignity while addressing the institution’s values.
While dress codes in educational institutions are not uncommon, OOU approach has raised critical concerns about consent, bodily autonomy, and respect for student privacy. As the debate continues, many are calling for more compassionate and rights-based solutions to address decency without violating personal boundaries.
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