Nigerians have expressed their strong disapproval of a discriminatory policy implemented by an Indian school in Lagos, which denies admission to Nigerian students.
The issue has ignited outrage and drawn attention to discrimination faced by Nigerians in various establishments. The incident follows a recent case involving a Chinese supermarket in Abuja that also imposed similar restrictions.
The Indian Language School located in Ilupeju, Lagos, came under scrutiny after social media posts shared by concerned individuals shed light on the school’s discriminatory admission policy. According to reports, only individuals holding Indian passports are eligible for enrollment, effectively excluding Nigerian students from attending the institution. This revelation sparked a wave of criticism and raised questions about the basis for such discriminatory practices.
To investigate the claims, our correspondent visited the Indian Language School in Lagos. During the visit, it was observed that the school, housed in a brown building opposite Rite Price Supermarket on Akinteye Drive in Ilupeju, had a significant presence of Indian nationals. Many Indian parents and their children were seen entering and leaving the premises, engaging in everyday activities such as shopping at Nigerian-owned shops, malls, and stands located nearby. The school compound itself exhibited signs of Indian cultural activities, with Indian school children playing and participating in school-related events.
Approaching the school entrance, our correspondent noticed Nigerian security personnel stationed at the security post, while the administrative staff inside were reportedly of Indian nationality. When our correspondent inquired about admission for his Nigerian uncle’s children, it was made clear that only Indian individuals, including their children, were eligible for enrollment. Despite attempts to reason with the security personnel and request an audience with the administrative manager, the response remained consistent: Nigerians were not allowed entry, and only an Indian person could facilitate the enrollment process.
The discriminatory admission policy of the Indian Language School has raised concerns among Nigerians, with many questioning the fairness and legality of such practices. While some residents and workers in the vicinity confirmed the school’s exclusive nature, others expressed uncertainty or declined to comment further, possibly due to fear of repercussions.
The school’s website reveals that it was established in 1982 as a private institution under the auspices of The High Commission of India. It is affiliated with the Central Board of Secondary Education in New Delhi and offers classes from BALVATIKA1 to XII.
Efforts to obtain an official statement from the Indian High Commission in Nigeria have been unsuccessful, as spokesperson Vipul Mesariya has yet to respond to inquiries. The issue continues to generate public attention, shedding light on the need to address discrimination and promote inclusivity in educational institutions and other establishments.
