The University of Lagos (UNILAG) has come under criticism on social media after Nigerian singer Fola, born Folarin Odunlami, appeared at his final-year project defence in an outfit that sparked debate over dress code compliance and equal treatment of students.
Photos and videos shared online showed the Afrobeats and Afro-R&B artiste arriving on campus in a Cadillac Escalade before proceeding to his project defence in the Department of Economics Education, Faculty of Education. He wore baggy trousers, a loose shirt, a head scarf and fashion accessories, triggering mixed reactions across social media.
The images quickly went viral, with many users questioning whether the university had relaxed its standards because of the singer’s celebrity status. However, there is no official evidence that Fola violated any UNILAG dress code or that he received preferential treatment. Neither the university nor the singer has issued a statement on the controversy.
Several users compared the incident with their own experiences during project defences.
One user argued that dressing appropriately for an academic exercise was a sign of respect for the institution, while another claimed he had previously been stopped from defending his project until he borrowed a blazer despite already wearing formal clothing.
Others insisted that celebrity status should not exempt any student from institutional rules, saying academic decorum should apply equally to everyone.
The debate also extended to comparisons with other Nigerian universities, with some users suggesting stricter enforcement would have occurred elsewhere.
However, many defended both the singer and UNILAG, noting that corporate dressing is not a compulsory requirement for project defences in many academic programmes.
Some of Fola’s classmates also posted photographs and videos with him after the exercise, suggesting the defence was completed without incident.
Although the issue has generated widespread online discussion about university dress codes and equal treatment, there is no official confirmation that any university regulation was breached or that Fola received preferential treatment.
