The University of Lagos has faced criticism on social media after Nigerian Afrobeats and Afro R&B singer Fola, born Folarin Odunlami, appeared at his final year project defence in attire many 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, wearing baggy trousers, a shirt, a scarf and accessories, arriving on campus in a Cadillac Escalade.

The images triggered debate on X, with several Nigerians questioning whether the Institution had relaxed its standards because of the singer's celebrity status. Some users alleged that other students had previously been barred from defending projects over dress code violations while Fola was allowed to proceed without objection, though there has been no official confirmation from the University that any dress code was breached or that special treatment was extended.

X user #Nurse__lyon argued that dressing appropriately was a matter of respect for the Institution, writing, "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, contrasted the singer's experience with their own, recounting being turned away for their defence despite wearing a shirt, tie and trousers, and needing to borrow a blazer before being allowed in.

User #Inspector_khay1 maintained that wealth should not excuse students from observing decorum, while #iamnotfredrick criticised both the singer and his lecturers for allowing the appearance.

Not all reactions were critical. User #Damilaredeicon countered that corporate dressing is not a compulsory requirement across many tertiary institutions for non professional courses, describing the reaction as overblown.

Some of Fola's coursemates shared photos and videos with him following the exercise, indicating his defence proceeded without incident. User #Hbee_tech noted the singer travelled from Canada to defend alongside classmates.

As of the time of filing, neither Fola nor the University of Lagos had issued an official statement addressing the claims, and reports could not independently verify allegations of a dress code breach or preferential treatment.