Ankara on Pause: Why Culture Only Shows Up on Weekends at OAU

           Sofiat Yusuf

On a hot Friday afternoon at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), the usual sea of students flowed through every corner of the campus, going about their daily routines. Yet, amid the movement and noise, one striking pattern stood out, an overwhelming majority of students adorned in native attire. Ankara, Adire, and other traditional fabrics dominated the scene, presenting a sharp contrast to the tucked-in shirts and Western outfits that define weekday fashion.

 

This visible shift raises a compelling question: why is native wear largely reserved for weekends?

 

For an institution whose motto is “For Learning and Culture,” the limited presence of indigenous fashion during the week suggests an underlying contradiction. While OAU prides itself on cultural consciousness, Western-style dressing continues to dominate academic spaces from Monday to Friday.

 

For some students, the answer lies in habit. Emerald, a student from the Faculty of Science, explained that her preference is largely routine-driven. She noted that while she appreciates native wear, she has grown accustomed to wearing it only on weekends. She also argued that native fashion has not evolved at the same pace as Western styles, describing it as less dynamic and fashionable in comparison.

 

Others point to structural constraints. Ibikunle Abdul-Qawiyy, a student of Medicine and Surgery, attributed his limited use of native attire to departmental regulations. According to him, strict adherence to formal and corporate dress codes restricts students’ ability to explore indigenous fashion during the week.

 

However, not all students conform to this pattern. For Mercy Olaseinde, a Part II Mass Communication student, wearing native attire is a deliberate expression of identity and cultural pride. She emphasized that her fashion choices reflect her Afrocentric values, noting that OAU’s environment allows her the freedom to embrace her heritage fully. Similarly, Semiat, a student of International Relations, described native wear as a visible assertion of culture, especially within a university that promotes cultural awareness.

 

Upbringing also plays a significant role in shaping perception. Femi Akano explained that his reluctance to wear native attire in formal settings stems from early exposure, where such clothing was limited to specific days, typically Fridays. Despite acknowledging recent efforts by fashion enthusiasts to adapt native fabrics into corporate styles, he remains unconvinced of their suitability for professional environments.

 

For others, the reasoning is more straightforward. Precious, a resident of Akintola Hall, admitted that her choice is purely personal preference, noting that she wears native attire mainly for church services rather than as a cultural statement.

 

These varying perspectives highlight how fashion choices on campus are influenced by a complex interplay of habit, institutional norms, personal identity, and societal conditioning. While native wear serves as a powerful medium of cultural expression for some, it is still perceived by others as informal or unsuitable for everyday academic and professional contexts.

 

The implication is clear: indigenous fashion remains subtly marginalised, often confined to weekends, ceremonies, and cultural events. This raises broader questions about cultural acceptance and the lingering perception of Western fashion as the default standard of formality and sophistication.

 

Perhaps, as contemporary designers continue to innovate and redefine native wear, the boundaries between traditional and corporate fashion will blur. Until then, the vibrant display of Ankara and Adire that colors OAU’s weekends will likely retreat once again, making way for Western silhouettes as Monday returns.