Benue State University prohibits armless shirts and dreadlocks

The administration of Benue State University (BSU) has implemented a complete prohibition on a number of clothing standards that it considers improper and lewd, including as hairstyles that resemble dreadlocks, makeup, skirts that are longer than knee length, and others.

The university-constituted task force committee released a statement on Saturday outlining the new policies and threatening to take legal action against any students who are seen wearing clothing that is not permitted. The directive addresses situations that arise both on and off campus.

Male students are not allowed to wear shorts or three-quarter pants to lectures, sag, wear makeup, dreadlock their hair, dye it, leave their hair uncombed, wear armless shirts, wear earrings, plait their hair, have thick beards, or engage in any other indecent behavior, according to the committee’s statement.
On the other hand, female students are told not to wear leg chains, nose rings, multiple earrings, sleeveless clothing, colored hair, short skirts, or anything that exposes sensitive body areas.

Additionally, the standards prohibit folding shirts onto skirts or pants, limit attachments to black and brown hues, and forbid crazy pants, knee-length skirts, and leggings devoid of a long top (shirt).

The statement ends with a strong warning that the university administration will apply punishment if these regulations are broken.
Benue State University is following in the footsteps of other Nigerian colleges that have recently enforced clothing restrictions for students, including Obafemi Awolowo University in Ile Ife and Adekunle Ajasin University in Akungba Akoko. Notably, these measures have provoked debates and public conversations.

SaharaReporters first reported on the Obafemi Awolowo University dress code enforcement earlier in August 2023. The university forbade sexually suggestive attire and placed a number of limitations on male and female students’ hairstyles, accessory choices, and outfit selections.

There is continuous discussion about how to strike a balance between upholding individual expression rights and maintaining discipline as Nigerian colleges implement measures to control what students may wear.