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OAU students reject new dress code, citing rights violation

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The Great Ife Students’ Union of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, has condemned the recently approved dress code by the university’s Governing Council, describing it as an infringement on students’ fundamental rights.

In a statement issued on Thursday, July 24, 2025, and signed by its President-elect, Adelani Oluwatodimu, Secretary-General-elect, Habeeb Isa, and Public Relations Officer-elect, Olowosile Oreoluwa, the union expressed renewed objection to what it called an “alleged dress code policy” introduced by the university management.

“We remain committed to protecting our rights,” the union said, referencing past incidents such as the 2023 dress code circular, which sparked similar outrage before being walked back by university authorities.

The students’ body described the sanctions, ranging from one to two semesters of rustication for certain dress code violations, as “harsh” and “archaic,” asserting that such measures contradict constitutional freedoms.

“The introduction of sanctions such as rustication for perceived ‘misconducts’ stifles and violates students’ fundamental rights to freedom of expression, personal style, and individuality. It also undermines the right to personal liberty as enshrined in Section 35 of the Constitution,” the union stated.

The union further alleged that the policy threatens other rights including freedom of thought, conscience, and religion (Section 38), freedom of movement (Section 41), and protection from discrimination (Section 42).

The Students’ Union called on the university management to distance itself from the punitive policy as it did in 2023.

It also urged students to remain united in defending their liberties against policies “that threaten to restrict freedom of appearance, belief, or identity.”

The university’s Governing Council, in a document dated June 13, 2025, approved a revised dress code following recommendations from the Division of Student Affairs and the Legal Review Committee.

The document noted that the code was intended to promote public decency and security.

Sanctions listed in the revised dress code include rustication for one semester for offences such as wearing dreadlocks, off-shoulder clothing, crop tops, sagging trousers, and tattoos.

A second set of violations, such as coloured hairstyles or “unwelcome touching” of the opposite sex, could attract rustication for two semesters.

However, the Legal Review Committee had recommended a more nuanced sanction structure, including official warnings for first-time offenders and more serious penalties for repeat violations.

It also warned against vague terminology like “sexually provocative dresses,” suggesting “indecent dressing” instead to ensure clarity and fairness.

The statement from the Students’ Union concluded with a call for all stakeholders to uphold a learning environment that is inclusive, respectful of diversity, and free from arbitrary control over personal choices.

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Education

Cross River shuts 36 illegal schools

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The Cross River State Government has shut down 36 unapproved schools, ranging from primary to secondary schools, operating without registration or official approval across three local government areas of the state.

The state Commissioner for Education, Professor Stephen Odey, who confirmed the development on Tuesday in Calabar, the state capital, described the situation as “unfortunate,” noting that some individuals continue to exploit unsuspecting parents by running unauthorised schools.

He explained that the closures were executed by the state task force on illegal schools, which was inaugurated earlier this month and warned that the ministry would no longer tolerate any unauthorised or “mushroom” operations in the state’s education sector.

“We have begun full-scale enforcement across the three educational zones in Calabar, Ikom, and Ogoja to sanitise the system and ensure that only schools meeting the required standards are allowed to operate,” Odey said.

The ministry’s publication listed 16 affected schools in Calabar, 10 in Ikom, and another 10 in Ogoja, all found to be running without government approval.

Reaffirming the government’s commitment to quality education, Odey stressed that only duly registered and accredited schools would be permitted to function.

He further advised parents and guardians to verify the approval status of schools before enrolling their children, warning that the enforcement exercise would be extended to all 18 local government areas in the state.

“This exercise will continue until every illegal school is either regularised or shut down. We are determined to protect the integrity of education in Cross River State,” Odey stated.

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Education

ASUU suspends two-week warning strike

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The Academic Staff Union of Universities has announced the suspension of its ongoing two-week warning strike.

The National President of ASUU, Prof. Chris Piwuna, made this known in an ongoing press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday.

According to Piwuna, the decision stemmed from the meeting of the National Executive Council meeting which was held overnight and ended by 4:00 am on Wednesday.

Piwuna noted that the union decided to embark on the strike due to the failure of the government to meet its demands on time.

“We’ve had useful engagements with representatives of the government to consider the response to the draft renegotiation of the 2009 agreements. However, we are definitely not where we were prior to the commencement of the strike.

“The union acknowledged that the government returned to the negotiation table. While noting that a lot more work is still required, NEC came to the conclusion that the ongoing strike should be reviewed. The decision to review the strike action was a result of efforts by our students, parents, and the Nigeria Labour Congress.

“Consequently, NEC resolved to suspend the warning strike to reciprocate the efforts of well-meaning Nigerians.”

Recall that ASUU declared a total and comprehensive warning strike starting from Monday, October 13.

ASUU is currently demanding the conclusion of the renegotiated 2009 FGN-ASUU agreement, the release of the withheld three and a half months’ salaries, sustainable funding of public universities, revitalisation of public universities, and cessation of the victimisation of lecturers in LASU, Prince Abubakar Audu University, and FUTO.

Others are payment of outstanding 25-35% salary arrears, payment of promotion arrears for over four years and release of withheld third-party deductions (cooperative contributions, union check-off dues).

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NELFUND opens student loan portal for 2025/2026 academic session

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The Nigerian Education Loan Fund has announced the official opening of its student loan application portal for the 2025/2026 academic session, providing access to financial support for students across tertiary institutions in the country.

The agency said the application window will run from Thursday, October 23, 2025, to Saturday, January 31, 2026.

This is contained a statement issued on Tuesday by NELFUND’s Director of Strategic Communications, Oseyemi Oluwatuyi.

NELFUND urged fresh students to apply using their Admission Number or JAMB Registration Number in place of a matriculation number.

It appealed to tertiary institutions to show understanding regarding registration and fee payment deadlines for applicants awaiting loan disbursement.

“Institutional Institutions are encouraged to show understanding in enforcing registration and fee Flexibility payment deadlines for students awaiting loan disbursement

“Institutions that have not yet commenced their 2025/2026 academic session should Special Notice formally write to NELFUND with their approved academic calendar for scheduling flexibility

“NELFUND appeals to all institutions to consider temporary registration measures for students whose loan applications are being processed to ensure that no student loses access to education due to financial constraints,” the statement said.

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