By Oluwapelumi Oluwagbotemi Arobieke
On the University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) campus, fashion is more than a matter of clothing. It has become a way for students to express their personalities, connect with their peers and keep up with the changing culture of youth fashion. From baggy jeans and jerseys to native outfits and carefully selected accessories, students are constantly adapting their appearance to reflect what is popular and what suits their individual identities.
For many students, staying fashionable is closely connected to feeling socially accepted. Trends spread quickly among young people, particularly through social media, where new styles can become popular almost overnight. On campus, students often borrow from these trends while adding their own personal touch.
Amos Williams Peter, a Mass Communication student, says some of the most noticeable fashion trends on campus include baggy jeans, crop tops and the changing styles of lip gloss among female students.
“I love trending fashion because it makes me feel among my peers, especially we the youth, and it makes one look social and connected to the modern world,” Amos says.
For him, however, fashion should have limits. He says he enjoys wearing baggy jeans even though they may not always be permitted in classrooms, while also acknowledging that his religious values encourage modest dressing.
Amos believes fashion should not be used to judge a student’s character.
“I think all of these are only fashion and it shouldn’t define a student as long as the fashion isn’t immoral or makes one look irresponsible,” he says.
For Emmanuel Bata Balami, a Mechanical Engineering student, dressing well is important because appearance can influence how others perceive a person.
“It is actually paramount for me to dress well, smart and also sweet because I don’t know who is admiring me or taking me as a model in dressing,” Emmanuel says.
He also believes appearance can influence attraction and how people relate to one another.
Not every student, however, follows the same fashion direction. A Mass Communication student who requested anonymity says his style varies between native and classic outfits, with some of his choices influenced by recommendations from his fashion designer.
Unlike many students who have had to reduce their fashion spending because of rising costs, he says the cost of living has not significantly affected his choices. He estimates that he spends approximately $1,500 on fashion.
While some students embrace emerging trends, others are critical of particular styles. Blessing Rimamkanati, a Political Science student, says she dislikes saggy jeans and transparent clothing.
“The fashion trend I dislike is saggy jeans and wearing transparent clothes,” Blessing says. She adds that she finds it irritating when men allow their trousers to sag and believes transparent clothing can expose too much of the body.
For Blessing, fashion should not be an excuse for abandoning decency.
The economic realities facing students also play an important role in determining what they wear. Khalifa Abubakar, the SUG Social Director, says the rising cost of living has made it difficult for many students to afford the latest fashion trends.
“Financial and economic factors are really affecting students’ fashion style. The majority can’t afford trending outfits, and a lot just dey rock jerseys,” Khalifa says.
According to him, although students often prioritise trendy clothing, the cost of such outfits can prevent many from keeping up with the latest styles.
This creates an interesting contrast on campus. While social media and youth culture continuously introduce new fashion trends, students have different levels of access to them. Some can afford to purchase new outfits regularly, while others rely on affordable alternatives, repeat outfits or jerseys to maintain a fashionable appearance.
Fashion on UNIMAID campus therefore reflects more than changing tastes. It reveals the intersection of identity, peer influence, culture, religion and economic circumstances. What one student considers stylish may be viewed as inappropriate by another, while what is affordable for one student may be beyond the reach of another.
As trends continue to change, UNIMAID students are likely to keep finding new ways to express themselves through clothing. Whether through baggy jeans, native wear, classic outfits, jerseys or other emerging styles, fashion remains an important part of campus life. But beneath the changing trends is a larger reality: for students, what they wear is not only about looking good, but also about belonging, expressing individuality and navigating the social and economic realities of university life.
