Decency or Discrimination? The Unanswered Question of Gender Bias in Campus Dress Codes

On a typical hot afternoon on a Nigerian campus, a group of female students walked across the quadrangle in short skirts and tight tops. As expected, eyes followed them, and a familiar argument began to fly around: Is indecent dressing the reason sexual harassment is rising in universities?
However, research and experience say otherwise. Reports show that some predatory lecturers actually target well-dressed, quiet and vulnerable female students. However, most dress codes across Nigerian universities seem to place more attention—and more restrictions—on women.

Since the early 2000s, universities have launched a serious campaign against “indecent dressing.” Institutions like LASU, UNILORIN and UI have long lists of banned outfits: spaghetti tops, skimpy skirts, tight dresses, leggings, plunging necklines, and anything that reveals the female body. While there are rules for men—such as no sagging or earrings—the sheer volume and specificity of rules for women give the impression that female bodies are the main problem on campus.

At Bayelsa’s Niger Delta University, authorities even introduced school uniforms, a move strongly resisted by students. In Abia State University, any skirt above the knee is outlawed, and female students are regularly turned back by security officers. Across Africa, the pattern repeats: from Mozambique to Morocco and Egypt, the idea of “dignified dressing” often seems aimed more at women.

Public analyst Victor Arinze believes dressing must be guided. To him, female students exposing parts of their bodies is morally wrong. A northern lecturer, Abu Sani, argues that young Nigerian women now dress like music stars on stage, and that universities must address this.

Nevertheless, critics say these arguments echo a deeper gender bias. Educationist Akin Olaoye insists that universities should not police adults. “If a student is 16 or older, why are we dictating their clothes? It is demeaning,” he said. Students themselves are divided. While some support decency, many argue that introducing uniforms or banning certain outfits is unnecessary. UNILORIN’s Gbemisola Ogunyemi calls the uniform idea “primitive.” Another student, Ayomide Awoyokun, says decency should not translate into policing women’s wardrobes.

The unresolved question remains: Are dress codes truly about promoting discipline and safety—or do they reflect society’s old habit of controlling women’s bodies? Until universities confront the gender bias hidden in these rules, the debate will only grow louder.