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🇳🇬 Nigeria /Culture & Society

UNILAG faces backlash over singer Fola’s outfit at project defence

From The Punch · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • University of Lagos is facing criticism on social media over singer Fola's attire at his project defense.
  • Photos showed the artist in casual wear, sparking debate about whether the university relaxed its standards for him.
  • Critics questioned the perceived preferential treatment, contrasting it with instances where ordinary students faced dress code issues.

The University of Lagos (UNILAG) is under fire on social media after Nigerian singer Fola, whose real name is Folarin Odunlami, appeared for his final-year project defense in what many deemed inappropriate attire. Images circulating online depicted the Afrobeats and Afro-R&B artist wearing baggy trousers, a shirt, a scarf, and accessories while arriving on campus in a luxury vehicle.

Don’t get me wrong, I love Fola, but there’s a saying, ‘Give unto Caesar what belongs to Caesar.’ It wouldn’t have taken anything from him to dress appropriately for an occasion such as his project defence. It also speaks to the indiscipline in our institutions.

— X user #Nurse__lyonA social media user's comment on the singer's attire and institutional discipline.

The singer reportedly defended his project in the Department of Economics Education, Faculty of Education. His appearance quickly ignited a debate on X, formerly Twitter, with numerous users questioning if the institution had lowered its standards due to Fola's celebrity status. Some users alleged that regular students had previously been denied project defenses for dress code violations, while Fola was allegedly permitted to proceed without issue.

I wore a shirt and tie with trousers and shoes, yet I was told not to come in for my defence. I had to borrow someone’s blazer before I was allowed to defend. Yet look at how Fola pulled up for his defence.

— X user #ithought_iwas2A social media user comparing their experience with Fola's appearance.

However, the university has not officially confirmed any dress code violations or confirmed that special treatment was given. Social media users expressed their disappointment, with one user stating, "Don’t get me wrong, I love Fola, but there’s a saying, ‘Give unto Caesar what belongs to Caesar.’ It wouldn’t have taken anything from him to dress appropriately for an occasion such as his project defence. It also speaks to the indiscipline in our institutions."

It wouldn’t have cost him anything to dress corporate, or at least wear something decent for his project defence. Being rich isn’t an excuse. There’s a time and place for everything.

— X user #Inspector_khay1A social media user commenting on wealth and decorum at academic events.

Others drew parallels to their own experiences, with one user recounting being turned away from their defense for not adhering to a stricter dress code. The controversy highlights ongoing discussions about academic decorum, celebrity privilege, and the enforcement of institutional standards in Nigerian universities.

There’s something wrong with Nigerians, from his lecturers allowing him to defend like that, to him deciding to show up like that despite knowing the dress code. He can’t tell me he doesn’t own proper corporate clothes.

— X user #iamnotfredrickA social media user criticizing both the singer and the university's handling of the situation.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Punch. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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