Lagos Indian school where Nigerians are denied admission

The discrimination experienced by some Nigerians on the premises of foreign businesses where they are met with restrictions despite being in Nigeria

Nigerians expressed outrage over a discriminatory policy implemented by an Abuja-based Chinese supermarket, which restricted entry exclusively to its citizens and barred Nigerians.

A correspondent, who visited the mall located within the China General Chamber of Commerce in Abuja, reported that entry into the supermarket, without any name inscription, was restricted exclusively to individuals ese descent.

An X user had also written, “So there’s a Chinese supermarket in Abuja that Nigerians cannot enter, let alone buy anything, that only Chinese are allowed? So weird to believe.”

Following the report, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission sealed the supermarket.

Visiting the premises, the commission’s officials led by the Director for Surveillance and Investigation, Boladale Adeyinka said the mission of the commission was in response to the viral video when Nigerians were allegedly being discriminated against and denied access to the supermarket.

The owner of the supermarket has also been summoned. This was as workers at the store disclosed that the owner of the supermarket fled the premises.

Adeyinka said, “There are other regulatory tools to be deployed if she (the owner) fails to attend to this summons. The summons means that on entering into these premises, they must see the summons because that is how they gain access to it.”

But the Abuja supermarket is not the only business barring or discriminating against Nigerians.

Discriminations were also reported in Lagos. While reacting to the post by an X user “The Indian school in Ilupeju only admits Indians. You need an Indian passport for enrollment.”

In a further chat with a news source, he said, “My experience with the Indian international school in Ilupeju dates back to when my school had a debate competition with them in 2009. I discovered there were only Indian students. I was curious as to why because my school was also an international school and run by a foreign embassy with primarily expatriate kids and few Nigerians. Then I was informed their passport was a prerequisite for admission.”

A correspondent therefore visited the Indian Language School Ilupeju, located in Lagos to investigate the claim.

A correspondent who visited the school reported that several Indians and their kids were seen entering and leaving the brown building opposite Rite Price Supermarket, Akinteye Drive in Ilupeju.

https://tribuneonlineng.com/lagos-govt-inve

Flooded with Indians, many of them live on the street as they were seen buying items freely at several shops, malls and stands operated by Nigerians.

The building’s plots stretch to the back, with Indian school children heard playing and having their school activities in the compound.

One of the school buildings

Taking a stroll down the bend behind the school plot, our correspondent saw another storey building with the inscription: ‘Indian Language School,’ with some construction workers working at the front. It was not certain whether it was a new building or not.

Returning to the main building and approaching the entrance, it was observed that at the security post, about three guard men were seen, with one on a uniform and another one, likely a septuagenarian, putting on a native attire. They were Nigerian security men from their dress and conversation.

The correspondent asked to make enquiries for his uncle who had two kids and would like to enroll them in the school.

“But that your uncle is an Indian man?” One of the security men responded. Our correspondent answered in the affirmative to give room for further discussions as reports showed that at similar foreign establishments, Nigerians were barred even from the point of entry. However, this was not different even with the different approach.

The security man in uniform immediately took the details of our correspondent in a form and took the form with him to an office while our correspondent was asked to wait at the security post.

While our correspondent sat, Indian nationals were seen trooping in and out.

The street

Upon returning after about four minutes, the security man said, “They said the person should come – the person that is Indian – should come with his two kids.”

“They said as a Nigerian, they (the management) cannot attend to you. So the person should come, the Indian person,” he added.

Damilola Adeleke

Adeleke Damilola (ACTION) is a versatile content writer with expertise in news writing and a seasoned media professional and broadcast specialist. Currently serving as News Editor for DNews Info, Damilola is also the CEO of the ACTION brand, committed to shaping lives and establishing a legacy of excellence for present and future generations.