The Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) has issued a notice to all female staff and students at the university’s Ikole campus, instructing them to stay indoors from Wednesday, August 7th to Friday, August 9th, 2024.
According to the internal memorandum from the Office of the Registrar, the directive is due to the upcoming “Oro” festival that is scheduled to take place within the Ikole-Ekiti community during that time period.
The “Oro” festival is a traditional event that is generally restricted to male participants only. The memorandum does not provide further details on the nature of the festival or the reasons behind the gender-specific instructions.
Female staff and students have been advised to comply with the notice and remain inside the campus buildings during the three-day duration of the festival. The registrar’s office has emphasized that this is for the “kind noting” of the affected individuals.
When reached for comment, a university spokesperson stated that the directive is a precautionary measure to ensure the safety and security of the female members of the campus community during the cultural event. They noted that such practices are common during traditional festivals in the region.
This latest announcement has sparked discussions among the student body and faculty about gender equality and cultural practices at the university. Some have criticized the policy as discriminatory, while others have defended it as necessary to respect local traditions.
The Federal University Oye-Ekiti has not issued any further statements on the matter. Female staff and students are expected to adhere to the instructions provided in the registrar’s memorandum over the next few days.
