Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, has sparked backlash over a newly introduced dress code that bans students and staff from wearing shorts, tight dresses, long eyelashes, and even hugging on campus.
The policy, made public in a special bulletin dated June 16 and signed by the university management, lists what it calls “indecent and offensive dressing,” warning that anyone who violates the rules will face disciplinary action.
According to the document, both staff and students are now barred from wearing clothes described as revealing, body-hugging, or unsuitable for an academic setting.
Prohibited items include spaghetti straps, see-through outfits, tattered jeans with holes, skirts and shorts above the knees (except for sports), tight-fitting clothes, and any attire that interferes with practical work or use of lab coats.
Other items on the banned list include earrings for male students, ankle chains for female students, long or coloured eyelashes, and dreadlocks on any gender. Male students are also not allowed to braid or weave their hair.
The bulletin discourages what it describes as untidy appearances, such as bushy hair or beards.
The policy goes further to outlaw public displays of affection like hugging, kissing, or sitting on each other’s laps. It also lists as misconduct wearing t-shirts with obscene messages, trousers that stop mid-leg, coloured sunglasses without medical prescription, and face caps worn in unconventional styles.
The bulletin states: “Engaging in intimate open embrace (hugging/kissing)… wearing of long eyelashes by female… sagging or ‘ass-down’ by both genders… unconventional wearing of face cap… and openly sitting on each other’s lap by opposite sex” are now considered acts of misconduct.
The dress code has drawn criticism from some students and staff, who say it restricts personal freedom and expression.
