“The Lekki Headmaster” by Kabir Alabi Garba is the official recommended novel for the JAMB UTME 2025 Use of English examination. Set in the affluent Lekki suburb of Lagos, Nigeria, the story centers on Mr. Adewale Adebepo (affectionately known as Bepo or “The Lekki Headmaster”), the dedicated principal of Stardom Schools, an elite institution. The narrative explores themes such as the Nigerian education system’s challenges, the “Japa syndrome” (mass migration abroad), leadership pressures, mental health, family obligations, corruption, cultural heritage, and the transformative power of education. Through Bepo’s personal and professional struggles—balancing his love for teaching with family pressures to relocate to the UK—the novel highlights resilience, ethical dilemmas, and the sacrifices of educators. Spanning 12 chapters, it blends humor, drama, and social commentary, ultimately affirming the value of staying rooted in one’s purpose.

The Lekki Headmaster: Chapter-by-Chapter Summary Breakdown

The Lekki Headmaster; Chapter 1 – Dusk

The novel opens dramatically at Stardom Schools’ morning assembly, where the usually charismatic principal, Mr. Bepo Adewale, behaves erratically. Distraught and avoiding eye contact, he fails to deliver his speech and breaks down in tears, shocking students and staff. Vice Principal Mrs. Grace Apeh swiftly takes over, dismissing the assembly and escorting Bepo, along with school nurse Mrs. Titi, to his office. Word spreads quickly, prompting Managing Director Mrs. Ibidun Gloss to rush in, reminiscing about Bepo’s 20+ years of unwavering dedication that elevated the school’s reputation. Bepo mutters pleas like “Oluwa gba mi o!” (God, save me!), but offers no explanation. Efforts at consolation fail; physics teacher and pastor Mr. Wande is called for spiritual counseling, suggesting contact with Bepo’s wife in London. Mrs. Gloss ultimately sends Bepo home with guidance counselor Mrs. Beke Egbin, prioritizing discretion to protect the school’s image. This chapter introduces key staff dynamics and foreshadows Bepo’s emotional turmoil, emphasizing themes of mental health vulnerability in high-stakes leadership and the hidden pressures behind public facades.

The Lekki Headmaster; Chapter 2 – The Enticement

Days after his breakdown, Bepo confides in colleagues about his relocation dilemma: joining his wife Seri (a nurse) and daughters Nike and Kike in the UK, where family separation has strained their marriage. Despite his deep attachment to Stardom Schools—where he’s earned the nickname “The Lekki Headmaster” for his charisma and conflict-resolution skills—economic realities pull him away. Staff tease him about the UK’s allure, citing £3,600 monthly salaries versus his ₦400,000 Nigerian pay, plus Seri’s £10,000 earnings. Bepo dreams of post-retirement ventures like farming or transport businesses in Nigeria but fears economic hurdles from past failures, such as a co-founded neighborhood school. The chapter delves into his internal tug-of-war, highlighting themes of family versus patriotism, the brain drain’s seductive pull, and the irony of professional fulfillment clashing with personal sacrifice.

The Lekki Headmaster; Chapter 3 – Migration Tales

Bepo grapples with migration’s realities through shared stories. He contrasts flexible foreign wage systems with Nigeria’s rigid monthly pay, hearing tales of high abroad earnings—like a US cab driver’s $500 (₦800,000) daily—but warns of offsetting costs (taxes, rent). Desperation stories emerge: former staff Mr. Nku absconding with a ₦2 million loan, or a driver selling a school bus for travel funds. Ex-teacher Sola recounts UK positives (superior infrastructure, healthcare for her daughter’s asthma) but negatives like borrowing for housing and emotional tolls, such as Jare’s elder-care breakdown or accountant Hope’s marital strain. Bepo weighs these mixed outcomes as he prepares to leave, underscoring themes of migration’s double-edged sword—opportunity laced with isolation—and the resilience required for such leaps.

The Lekki Headmaster; Chapter 4 – A Case of Visa Denied

A distressed parent, Mrs. Ignatius, calls Bepo late at night about visa woes tied to family secrets: her husband suspects non-paternity of their child Favour, confirmed by DNA, derailing their UK plans amid accusations of infidelity. Bepo, amid his own stresses, offers empathy while reflecting on administrative burdens like writing a book on education. A subplot involves parent Mrs. Ladele reassigning her daughter Bibi after nightmares triggered by teacher Mr. Ayesoro’s tribal marks; he’s transferred to ease tensions. These vignettes amplify themes of familial mistrust’s ripple effects on ambitions, the emotional labor of school leadership, and how personal crises intersect with institutional duties.

The Lekki Headmaster; Chapter 5 – Snake in the Roof

MD Mrs. Ibidun Gloss audits a staff parking lot built on school land, suspecting irregularities. She summons Bepo and accountant Jeremi Amos, revealing ₦95 million in cooperative loans (over ₦50 million disbursed), prompting new caps at ₦250,000 and MD approvals. At a board meeting, chairperson Chief Mrs. Solape Bayo warns of “hanging a snake in the roof”—imminent dangers from unchecked finances—advocating stricter oversight. This exposes internal vulnerabilities, reinforcing themes of accountability in resource management and the delicate balance between trust and control in educational institutions.

The Lekki Headmaster; Chapter 6 – Ade as Well as Jide – COMES vs. COME

During Open Day, parent Mr. Guta flags a grammatical error in English teacher Mr. Fafore’s note (“Ade as well as Jide comes early”), sparking MD criticism and dismissal threats. Bepo defends Fafore, citing grammatical accuracy, turning the mishap into staff laughter fueled by Mr. Audu’s quips. The episode illustrates themes of external pressures on educators, the pitfalls of hasty judgments, and upholding professional standards amid parental scrutiny.

The Lekki Headmaster; Chapter 7 – “Ritualists”

Bepo flashbacks to a Beesway Group of Schools dispute over signage (“Group of School” vs. “Schools”), dismissed by director Mr. Egi Meko. One night, he witnesses Meko and others ritually burying a live cow; confronting them leads to injury, but Meko intervenes. Bepo grapples with reporting amid exhaustion and recalls his failed Fruitful Future school due to corruption. A twist links the ritual to news of Mr. Ogo’s murder implication. Themes here probe morality’s gray areas, power abuses, and education’s corruption-plagued underbelly.

The Lekki Headmaster; Chapter 8 – Missions Unaccomplished

Ongoing student family disputes simmer unresolved. Prefect elections involve sold votes and moral screenings. Speech Day erupts when Banky insults rival Tosh (Ogba Junior) over his father Chief Didi Ogba’s imprisonment, escalating feuds that Bepo mediates to safeguard the school’s reputation. Bepo also ponders the Invention Club’s Breath Project (recycled phone prototypes). Themes focus on nurturing ethical leadership, rivalry’s roots in family legacies, and extracurriculars’ role in innovation.

The Lekki Headmaster; Chapter 9 – Laughing Waterfalls

The school curates excursions to cultural sites like Badagry Slave Museum, Whispering Palms, Ikogosi Warm Springs, Erin Ijesha and Owu Waterfalls, and heritage museums. Bepo champions these for experiential learning, connecting slave trade history to contemporary “Japa” desperation and promoting cultural pride through concerts and lectures. Themes celebrate heritage preservation, countering migration’s pull with rooted identity and the joy of communal discovery.

The Lekki Headmaster; Chapter 10 – Passport Pains

Bepo’s passport renewal odyssey exposes bureaucratic chaos: expired document, NIN glitches, and corruption at Lagos immigration. Agent Tai’s help falters; a trip to Ibadan highlights infrastructure progress but underscores inefficiencies. Themes critique public service rot and its personal toll on aspirations.

The Lekki Headmaster; Chapter 11 – Point of No Return

Bepo’s farewell unfolds vibrantly: a biased staff-student football match (refereed by Mr. Ike), a debate where Arts triumphs over Sciences, and cultural dances (Bata, Atilogwu, Koroso, canoe). The MD’s emotional speech includes a $10,000 cheque; Bepo reflects on 24 transformative years. Themes evoke gratitude, cultural vibrancy, and education’s communal bonds.

The Lekki Headmaster; Chapter 12 – Dawn

As Bepo readies for his UK flight—supported by landlord Mr. Ogunwale and grandson Jide—airport emotions peak with goodbyes and a Slave Museum dream flashback. Mid-flight, he returns abruptly, declaring his heart belongs at Stardom. The community rejoices in his choice. Themes culminate in purpose’s triumph over exile, community solidarity, and education’s enduring legacy.

Possible JAMB Questions on The Lekki Headmaster by Kabir Alabi Garba

Here are 10 likely JAMB-style multiple-choice questions based on the novel, with correct answers for study purposes. Remember you can practice more jamb questions with MyQuest App, download our App today and head over to UTME practice/Study to get started. 100% offline practice.

These are 10 Jamb Questions on the Lekki Headmaster by Kabir Alabi Garba:

1 Who is the protagonist of the novel?

A. Banky

B. Bepo

C. Mrs. Ibidun Gloss ✅

D. Mr. Ogunwale

2 What is the full name of the principal referred to as Bepo?
A. Bepo Adebowale
B. Adewale Adebepo ✅
C. Adebayo Bepo
D. Adekunle Bepo

3 Which teacher was known for her witty remarks in the book?
A. Mrs. Ibidun Gloss ✅
B. Mrs. Apeh
C. Mr. Audu
D. Mr. Amos

4 Who were the two students involved in a rivalry dating back to JSS 3?
A. Banky and Tosh ✅
B. Jide and Kemi
C. Seri and Tai
D. Ogba and Tosh

5 Which character is deeply committed to African history and culture?
A. Mr. Ogunwale
B. Bepo ✅
C. Jide
D. Mrs. Gloss

6 The recurring phrase “If you say education is expensive, try ignorance” reflects which theme?
A. Importance of hard work
B. Value of education ✅
C. Leadership struggles
D. Sacrifice and dedication

7 The novel explores the effects of migration under which term?
A. Brain Drain
B. Japa Syndrome ✅
C. Wanderlust
D. Exodus

8 What theme is highlighted through the depiction of the Badagry slave museum?
A. Liberation
B. Historical memory ✅
C. African resilience
D. Colonization

9 Why was Bepo reluctant to renew his passport?
A. He feared the stress at the immigration office ✅
B. He had no plans to travel abroad
C. He lacked the funds for renewal
D. He was unaware it had expired

10 What led to the conflict during the prefect election speech?
A. Banky insulted Tosh’s father ✅
B. A bribe scandal emerged
C. Bepo intervened in the voting process
D. Tosh accused the school of favoritism

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