QUALITY, PERCEPTION AND SUSTAINABILITY OF OSUN STATE SCHOOL UNIFORM

Abstract

The similar uniform adopted by the Osun State government, O-uniform, showed no distinction between one public school and another, like the former uniforms. The study assessed the quality, perception and sustainability of O-uniforms. Fabric samples were analysed. Two hundred students in public schools and ten supervisors/directors participated in the study. A set of questionnaires and key informant interviews were used to collect data. The data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics such as frequency and percentage. The result of fabric analysis showed that the dark brown (DB) fabric was 100% polyester woven with 758 denier
warp yarns and 356 denier weft yarns, while the Kampala sample (KD) is 100% cotton with 16 Tex warp yarns and 2 Tex weft yarns. They had very high light fastness among other qualities.

Students had a positive perception of the uniforms. They agreed that the uniform helped in identity ( ̅ =2.70) and reduced the financial burden of purchasing new uniforms ( ̅ =2.54). However, they preferred the colour and design of former uniforms which included ties, caps and cardigans. The directors submitted that O-uniform was not sustainable because it promoted crimes among students. The study recommends that policymakers and educators should consider sustainability factors in selecting uniforms. Students should be allowed to express themselves in their appearance.