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

The 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.

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.

Similarly, #Inviiin said preferential treatment should not be given to anyone.

“If he was truly dressed this way for the defence then that’s complete madness. Why should preferential treatment be given to anyone?” the user wrote.

Another user, #IbimBoyle, questioned whether the singer was treated differently from other students.

“Fola wore a crop top, chains and head tie to defend his project and no single lecturer was against it, but Emeka wore sneakers instead of corporate shoes and he wasn’t allowed to defend. Is Fola above the university laws?” the post read.

Also reacting, #Thepentane_ claimed such an appearance would not have been tolerated in some other universities.

“If this happened in the University of Ibadan, I can tell you that he would never have been allowed to graduate,” the user wrote. University of Lagos entrance. Photo: UNILAG

However, others defended both the singer and the institution.

X user #Damilaredeicon argued that corporate dressing is not a compulsory requirement in many tertiary institutions.

“It’s not even about his money or fame. The truth is, wearing corporate attire for project defence isn’t a strict requirement in many schools for courses that are not professional and I don’t think UNILAG enforces it that seriously. It’s really not that unusual,” the user wrote.

Some of Fola’s coursemates also shared photos and videos with the singer after the exercise, suggesting he completed his project defence without incident.

X user #Hbee_tech posted, “Fola came to defend his final-year project with us all the way from Canada,” while another user, #muyiwaCD, shared a photo taken with the singer after the defence.

Although the controversy generated widespread reactions online, neither Fola nor the University of Lagos had issued an official statement as of the time of filing this report.

PUNCH Online could not independently verify claims that the singer breached any official dress code or received preferential treatment during the project defence.