Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State, has distanced itself from a dress code document currently circulating on social media, saying it is not the version approved by its Governing Council.

A copy of the dress code being shared online outlines a strict set of rules by the university, including the proposed banning of dreadlocks, coloured hairstyles, nose rings, hair braiding for male students, and heavy makeup.

It also includes disciplinary measures such as the rustication of students for one or two semesters depending on the severity of the violation.

Other prohibited items and behaviours listed in the draft include sexually provocative clothing, backless or transparent outfits, bomb shorts, sagging trousers, tattoos, unconventional haircuts, T-shirts with obscene inscriptions, spangled hairstyles, unwelcome physical contact, and even the hugging or kissing of members of the opposite sex.

Reacting to the viral document, the university, through its registrar, K. A. Bakare, confirmed in a statement on Friday that a dress code for students has been approved by the council but stated that the version spreading across social media is not the authentic document.

According to the university, the forthcoming official document will align with the university’s motto, “for learning and culture”, and is intended to enhance academic sensibility, promote social decency, and uphold ethical standards.

Bakare said, “Although, council has approved a dress code for the students of the university, what went viral was not the document approved by council,

“However, we do hope to release the official dress code version in due course, directed at enhancing academic sensibilities, social decency and ethical standard in line with the university’s motto “for learning and culture.”

The university management then urged members of the public to disregard the viral document.