The Data Privacy Lawyers Association of Nigeria (DPLAN) has strongly condemned a viral incident involving a female staff member of Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago Iwoye, Ogun State, who was captured in a video touching female students inappropriately before they were allowed into an examination hall.
According to the video circulating on social media, the staff was seen physically checking whether female students were wearing bras before granting them access to a Computer-Based Test (CBT) venue—reportedly in line with an alleged “No Bra, No Exam” policy.
In a statement issued on Sunday and signed by DPLAN’s Legal and Compliance Director, Emmanuel Okpara, Esq., the association described the act as a gross violation of the rights to privacy and human dignity guaranteed under Sections 34 and 37 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
“No rule or institutional guideline can justify degrading treatment, especially against young women in an academic setting. What occurred is an affront to the values of decency, privacy, and gender respect,” the statement read.
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DPLAN further described the practice as an example of gender-based shaming, disguised as discipline, and called it “unlawful, discriminatory, and unacceptable in any civilized society.” The lawyers’ group added that such actions are incompatible with Nigeria’s obligations under international law, including the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
The association expressed concern that the incident happened in full public view, thereby compounding the trauma and humiliation for the affected students.
DPLAN is calling for the immediate review or abolition of any policy resembling “No Bra, No Exam” for violating female students’ privacy and dignity. It also urged the university to reform its enforcement procedures to ensure they are lawful, respectful, and non-discriminatory.
The group demanded a public apology from the university authorities to the affected students and the general public.
It also urged the National Universities Commission (NUC) and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to investigate the matter promptly and ensure accountability.
“Institutions of learning must not become centers of fear and humiliation. They must remain places of knowledge, safety, and respect for all students regardless of gender,” the statement added.
The incident has sparked widespread condemnation online, particularly from student rights groups and Northern-based cultural advocates, who described the act as alien to societal norms of modesty, privacy, and respect for womanhood.
As at time of filing this report, OOU management had yet to issue an official response to the development.
