he University of Lagos has come under criticism on social media following the appearance of Nigerian singer Fola, born Folarin Odunlami, a rising Nigerian Afrobeats and Afro-R&B singer, at his final-year project defence in what many users described as inappropriate attire for an academic exercise.
Photos and videos shared online showed the singer, who reportedly defended his project in the Department of Economics Education, Faculty of Education, wearing baggy trousers, a shirt, a scarf and accessories while arriving on campus in a Cadillac Escalade.
The images quickly sparked debate on X, with many Nigerians questioning whether the institution had relaxed its standards because of the singer’s celebrity status.
Some users alleged that ordinary students had previously been prevented from defending projects over dress code violations, while Fola was allegedly allowed to proceed without objection. However, there is no official confirmation from the university that any dress code was violated or that special treatment was given.
Music artist, Fola, in his controversial outfit he wore to UNILAG…Photo Credit: X/ @abazwhyllzz
X user #Nurse__lyon said although he admired the singer, dressing appropriately for a project defence was a matter of respect for the institution.
“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,” the user wrote.
Another user, #ithought_iwas2, compared the incident with his own experience.
“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,” the user posted.
Reacting to the controversy, #Inspector_khay1 argued that wealth should not excuse students from observing decorum.
“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,” the user wrote.
Another X user, #iamnotfredrick, criticised both the singer and the university.
“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,” the user wrote.
