In a video which surfaced online, female security personnel were seen touching the breasts of students to check if they were wearing brasierres before taking part in an examination.
Authorities at Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, have reportedly begun enforcing a controversial "No Bra, No Exam" policy as the institution kicked off its second-semester examinations.
The policy was implemented at the university's Information Communication and Technology (ICT) centre, with exams officially starting on Monday, June 16.
In a video which surfaced online, female security personnel were seen touching the breasts of students to check if they were wearing brasierres before taking part in an examination.
The video generated a row online as observers described the act as "sexual assault."
However, students at the institution said denial of student the right to examination has occurred over the years with the school taking a hard stance against indecent dressing.
One of the affected students, a 200-Level student, who preferred anonymity said: "The No Bra No Exam" policy really took a toll on me mentally and medically. I was denied access to write my examination even after explaining that I have a medical issue that doesn't allow me put on tight clothings like bras. I had to borrow one from a complete stranger before I was allowed to write the examination."
Another student who simply identified herself as Kemi said the idea of decency is a very great one, especially at this current age in the society. She however, berated the manner of approach in which female security personnel pressed their breasts to know if they wore brassieres or not.
According to her, it was more of "harassment" rather than discipline. She added that students' choice of undergarment shouldn't determine their right to writing their examinations.
The school's Student Union Government (SUG) President, Muizz Olarenwaju Olatunji, in his X space account noted that that the policy is not new in the institution.
He said OOU promotes a dress code policy aimed at maintaining a respectful and distraction-free environment. He encouraged students to dress modestly and in line with the institution's values.
He assured the students that discussions have been going on with the institution to explore alternative approaches to addressing indecent dressing, focusing on respectful and dignified interactions between students and staff.
Attempts to get the official position of the university as of press time, proved abortive, as calls put through to the Public Relations Officer(PRO) Niyi Oduwole didn't connect. His line sounded engaged; just as if it was set to "Do not Disturb" (DND) mode. Text message sent to him was not responded to either.
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