Just as if collecting N1,000 from millions of Nigerian youths who sought employment was not enough, the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) screwed up yet again. A general test was scheduled by the NIS for Saturday, March 15, of which only ‘supposedly qualified’ candidates were expected to be present at the respective venue at 7:00 a.m. for a test meant to take place by 4:00 p.m.
Physical exercises and screenings were to be carried out within this period. However, in the Lagos Metropolis, things did not go exactly as ‘planned’ or maybe there was no plan at all. Most of the candidates, kitted in their white sport attires and ready for the exercise, occupied the National Stadium at Surulere, Lagos which was filled to the brink. Candidates suffered from the excruciating sun as they awaited an address note from the organisers who lurked around. Some grumbled they had been at the venue as early as 5:30am only for them to wait until about 12:30 pm before an official came to address them.
Out of frustration, there were series of fights among candidates. This caused uproar in the national bowl. The official who made announcement with a poor-sounding public address system brought about a little of attention. He assured the exams would start soon and that the thousands of candidates present were expected to write down their names and submit their application slips only after being confirmed.
The lack of organisation in the stadium gave room for some set of candidates to start carrying placards while others just picked up their bags and gave up on the test. Those who got access to the questions sat on the floor in the open field to answer the questions. Some also went outside the bowl to proffer solutions, hoping they would return to submit. At this time, majority out of being disappointed started trooping out of the bowl and heading home.
All moving vehicles were stopped and brought to a standstill for nearly 30 minutes just to get the attention of the masses. This resulted in trekking long distances from the National Stadium to places where people would eventually board buses (which were even not readily available due to the large numbers of commuters).
A female car owner while trying to make enquiry on what the cause of the traffic jam was trespassed when she told the candidates moving on the road that they were constituting nuisance. In no time, she was surrounded by the angry youths who transferred their aggression by reigning curses and sprinkling water on her. It was such a regrettable day for everyone who had responded to the test invitation.
Femi Orekoya,
Lagos.
