LAGOS STATE INDIGENESHIP VERIFICATION INTERVIEW TIPS, WHAT TO KNOW AND EXPECT

LAGOS STATE INDIGENESHIP VERIFICATION INTERVIEW TIPS, WHAT TO KNOW AND EXPECT

As you prepare for the final stage of the IIVE screening, it’s important to understand that this stage is not just about documents. It’s about your identity, your background, and how well you know your roots. This is where they check if you’re truly an indigene of Lagos State. So, how you behave, what you say, and even how you look all matter. The committee is full of elders and traditional leaders. You must carry yourself with respect and be ready to speak confidently.

First, your appearance is very important. Make sure you look neat and decent. Your clothes should not be too tight or flashy. Comb your hair well or cut it low if it looks rough. Whether you’re a guy or a lady, just try to look simple and respectful. Even if that’s not your usual style, just do it for this day. It shows maturity and seriousness.

Second, your behavior counts a lot. From the moment you arrive at the venue, be calm and greet people politely. Don’t act proud or feel too big, no matter your background. Even if your parents are well-known or wealthy, it won’t help you in this interview. What matters is your humility and the way you relate with the elders there. They are watching everything, not just what you say, but how you behave.

Third, and very important, speak Yoruba during the interview. Most of the panel members will speak to you in Yoruba. If you respond in English, they might feel you’re not truly from Lagos. Lagos is a Yoruba-speaking state, and the IIVE process is deeply rooted in tradition. Speaking Yoruba shows that you understand the culture and belong to the community. So, even if you’re not fluent, try your best to speak. Greet in Yoruba when you enter. It makes a very good impression.

👉Now, let’s talk about the kinds of questions you may be asked and why they are important. The committee wants to confirm if you really know your roots, so expect questions about your family and community.

1. “What is your Agbole name?”
   Agbole means your family house or compound name. Every real indigene of Lagos should know the name of their family’s compound. It’s like your identity in your town or village. If you don’t know it, it may look like you’re not truly from the area you claim.
2. “Who is the Oloriebi in your family?”
   Oloriebi means the head of your family. This is usually the oldest man or woman in your family line. You should know their full name. It shows that you are part of the family and connected to your roots.
3. “How many years has your family lived in Lagos?”
   _This question is not about how long you have been in Lagos, but how long your family, including your parents and grandparents, have lived in Lagos._ For example, you can say “My family has been in Lagos for over 50 years.” This gives them an idea of how deep your family’s history is in Lagos.
4. “Can you recite your Oriki?”
   Oriki is your family praise name. It’s something used to praise or celebrate people from your family, and many Yoruba families have theirs. Even if you don’t know the full Oriki, try to learn at least one or two lines. It shows that you know something about your heritage.
5. “Who is the King or Baálẹ̀ of your area?”
   If your town has a king, know his name. If there’s no king, then know the Baálẹ̀ (community chief). They may also ask when the king started ruling and who was there before him. These questions show if you really come from that place or not.
6. “What is the name of your local market?”
   This is another way they check if you’re familiar with your area. Every indigene should know the main market in their town.
7. “What popular festival is celebrated in your town?”
   Many towns in Lagos have one festival or the other, like Oro, Egungun, or others. You should know at least one festival that is celebrated in your place and explain what it’s about.
8. “Who is your Local Government Chairman?”
   This may sound political, but they just want to know if you are current and aware of your environment. Make sure you know the name of the chairman of your local government before going.

Now, in some cases, they may even try to test your honesty by bringing up someone from your community. They could say something like, “This person says they are from your family, do you know them?” Or they could call someone from your Agbole to confirm your claims. _This happens because many of the panel members are also from different parts of Lagos and may know your relatives._ So if you lie, it will be easy to catch. This is why it’s best to go with the truth and be confident.

Also, if your father or mother is a Lagos indigene and follows you to the interview venue, they may sometimes allow your parent to come into the room and answer the questions. This is not always certain, but it happens. So, if you have a parent who is from Lagos, let them go with you if possible.

DANIEL SEUN KOLADE

With over 7 years of profound expertise in school news, I Kolade Daniel has been a guiding force for aspiring students. Having successfully aided thousands in navigating the complexities of the admission process, I have stands as a seasoned expert committed to empowering individuals on their academic journey. As the founder of LEGITDAN CONSULTS, I continues to provide timely and insightful updates on admissions, scholarships, and academic developments, leaving an enduring impact on the education landscape.