Babcock University, a private Christian higher education institution located in Ilishan Remo, Ogun State, southwestern Nigeria, has introduced stricter grooming and dress code regulations for students ahead of its upcoming academic examinations.
The university management announced the new directives in an official statement issued on Wednesday and signed by the Vice President for Student Development, Olanivi Arije, a senior administrative officer responsible for student affairs and campus discipline.
Okay News reports that the statement confirmed the immediate cancellation of all hair pass permits that had previously circulated among students across the institution’s campuses. According to the university, these documents were never legally recognized and did not provide any legitimate authority for students to maintain hairstyles outside approved standards.
The management clearly stated that “the use, circulation, or recognition of hair pass in any form is henceforth outlawed at Babcock University with immediate effect.” It emphasized that no department, office, or individual within the university has the authority to issue or honor such permits.
The new grooming and dress regulations are scheduled to take effect from the beginning of the second semester in January and will be enforced strictly across all campuses operated by the institution.
In the statement, students currently in possession of any form of hair pass or exemption were directed to discontinue its use immediately. The university warned that any student found presenting or relying on such documents would be investigated for violating institutional regulations.
“Students currently in possession of any form of hair pass or exemption are directed to disregard and discontinue its use immediately. Any student found presenting, using, or relying on such a document shall be investigated for the violation of University regulations and, if found liable, shall face the inevitable consequence accordingly,” the statement said.
The management further outlined specific grooming restrictions, stating that male students are prohibited from keeping voluminous or unkempt hair, beards, or dreadlocks. Female students, on the other hand, are not permitted to wear hairstyles considered extreme, indecent, or inconsistent with the university’s values.
In addition to hair regulations, the university released an updated list of prohibited clothing items. These include body hugging outfits, sleeveless blouses or dresses, sagging trousers, as well as baggy, boot cut, or over length trousers.
The institution also clarified that tying scarves to corporate or official academic wear is not allowed during certain periods. Outfits such as bubu, danshiki, joggers, sportswear, or walk out wear were also listed as unacceptable during stipulated academic and official activities.
Babcock University warned that students found in possession of prohibited items on campus would face disciplinary measures, stressing that enforcement would be firm and uncompromising.
“The University will not entertain excuses, appeals, or claims of ignorance. All students are expected to resume fully compliant with these regulations,” the statement added.
University authorities explained that the policy aims to promote discipline, uniformity, and academic focus, particularly during examination periods, while reinforcing the institution’s moral and faith based standards.