UNILAG FACES BACKLASH OVER AFROBEATS SINGER FOLA’S PROJECT DEFENCE OUTFIT
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By:Tajudeen Aminat
The University of Lagos (UNILAG) has come under fire on social media following the appearance of Afrobeats singer Fola, born Folarin Odunlami, at his final-year project defence in an outfit many online users described as inappropriate for an academic exercise.
Photos and videos circulating online showed the singer, who reportedly defended his project in the Department of Economics Education, Faculty of Education, dressed in baggy trousers, a shirt, a scarf and multiple accessories. He was also seen arriving on campus in a Cadillac Escalade.
The images quickly sparked debate on X, with several users questioning whether the university had relaxed its standards because of Fola’s celebrity status.
Some social media users claimed that ordinary students had previously been barred from defending their projects over dress code violations, while the singer was allegedly allowed to proceed without objection. However, UNILAG has not confirmed that Fola violated any dress code or received preferential treatment.
One X user, @Nurse__lyon, said although he admired the singer, dressing appropriately for a project defence was a sign 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, recounted a personal experience, claiming he was initially denied access to his own project defence despite wearing formal attire until he borrowed a blazer.
Reacting to the controversy, @Inspector_khay1 argued that wealth and fame should not exempt students from observing institutional standards.
“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.
Similarly, @iamnotfredrick criticised both the singer and the university, questioning why such an outfit was allegedly permitted.
Another user, @Inviiin, argued that no student should receive preferential treatment, while @IbimBoyle questioned whether Fola was being treated differently from other students who had reportedly been sanctioned for dress code violations.
Also weighing in, @Thepentane_ claimed such an appearance would not have been tolerated at some other Nigerian universities.
However, not everyone agreed with the criticism.
Defending both the singer and the institution, @Damilaredeicon argued that corporate dressing is not a compulsory requirement for project defences in many tertiary institutions, particularly for non-professional courses, adding that UNILAG may not strictly enforce such a policy.
Some of Fola’s coursemates also shared photos and videos with the singer after the exercise, suggesting he completed his project defence without any disruption. One user, @Hbee_tech, wrote that Fola travelled from Canada to defend his final-year project, while @muyiwaCD posted a photo taken with the singer after the defence.
Despite the widespread online reactions, 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 special treatment during the project defence.
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