No bra, no exam: OOU students decry ‘harassment’

Students at Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State have frowned at the way security personnel at the institution were pressing their breasts in a bid to detect if they wore brassiere or not. They noted that it was more of “harassment” than enforcement of discipline and decent dressing.

Last week, authorities at the Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, commenced the implementation of the “No bra, no exam” policy following the commencement of second semester examinations at its Information Communication and Technology (ICT) centre on campus. The examinations began officially 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.