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

The University of Lagos (UNILAG) has come under criticism on social media after Nigerian singer Folarin Odunlami, popularly known as Fola, appeared at his final-year project defence in an outfit many users described as inappropriate for an academic exercise.

Photos and videos circulating online showed the Afrobeats and Afro-R&B 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 users questioning whether the institution had relaxed its standards because of the singer’s celebrity status.

Some users alleged that other students had previously been prevented from defending their projects over dress code violations, while Fola was allowed to proceed.

However, there has been no official confirmation from the university that any dress code was breached or that the singer received special treatment.

Reacting to the development, X user #Nurse__lyon said: “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.”

Another user, #ithought_iwas2, compared the incident with a personal experience.

The user said: “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.”

Questioning the singer’s choice of outfit, #Inspector_khay1 said: “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.”

Another X user, #iamnotfredrick, criticised both the singer and the institution.

The user said: “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.”

Also expressing concern, #Inviiin said: “If he was truly dressed this way for the defence then that’s complete madness.

“Why should preferential treatment be given to anyone?”

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

The post read: “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?”

Comparing the situation with another institution, #Thepentane_ said: “If this happened in the University of Ibadan, I can tell you that he would never have been allowed to graduate.”

However, some users defended both the singer and the university.

X user #Damilaredeicon argued: “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.”