School Dress and Grooming Policies in Nigerian Schools: Implications for Student Inclusion, Engagement and Educational Experience

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.65496/jssme.2026.115

Keywords:

School dress code, Grooming policy, School uniform, Student engagement, Inclusion, Physical education, School belonging, Nigeria

Abstract

In the Nigerian schools, the policies of school dress and grooming are often employed to ensure discipline, equality, safety and institutional identity. However, they need to be explored in terms of their impact for students' inclusion, participation and educational experience. The paper is a critical narrative literature review which was based on Nigerian and international studies, relevant laws and research in education. The literature is structured around four themes: school uniform and educational outcomes; gender, school uniform design and physical activity; grooming, identity and the legal context; and school belonging and disciplinary enforcement. The review shows that there is mixed evidence on the educational value of compulsory uniforms. Some studies show improvements in specific behavioural and organisational outcomes, others have concerns about belonging, comfort and participation. The analysis also points to the conflict between institutional norms and the individual needs of students, such as in relation to the appearance requirements and gender, religious practice and disciplinary control. Information on the lived realities of Nigerian secondary-school students with regard to these policies is still limited. The paper proposes that the purpose of the appearance requirement, practical effects and fairness of enforcement should be taken into account when evaluating the necessity of such requirements. It proposes frequent policy review, low cost and appropriate uniforms, appropriate discipline and increased student and parent participation.

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Author Biographies

  • Olanike Grace Olayiwola, The Polytechnic Ibadan

    Olanike Grace Olayiwola is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Physics at The Polytechnic, Ibadan, Nigeria. She has over a decade of teaching and research experience and holds qualifications in Physics and Physics with Electronics. Her interest in teaching, learning and educational practice led her to obtain a Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE), complementing her science background with formal training in education.

  • Tolulope Christianah Adeyemo, University of Ibadan

    Adeyemo Tolulope Christianah is an educator and researcher with over a decade of teaching, research and student supervision experience. She holds a B.Ed. in Physical and Health Education and an M.Sc. in Sport Management and Policy Development. Her research interests include education, sport participation, gender inclusion, sport management and youth development. She has published widely and currently works as a Physical Education Teacher and Assistant Sports Coordinator in Ibadan, Nigeria.

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Published

2026-10-02

Issue

Vol. 2 No. 2 (2026)

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Copyright (c) 2026 Dr O.G Olayiwola, C.T Adeyemo (Author)

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How to Cite

Olayiwola, O. G., & Adeyemo, T. C. (2026). School Dress and Grooming Policies in Nigerian Schools: Implications for Student Inclusion, Engagement and Educational Experience. Journal of Social Science and Multidisciplinary Enquiry, 2(2), 79-94. https://doi.org/10.65496/jssme.2026.115