JAMB 2025 Book, What novel is JAMB using for 2025: The Joint Admission Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced that candidates sitting for the 2025 UTME will be tested on the novel Lekki Headmaster by Kabir Alabi Garba in the Use of English examination. This article provides a comprehensive summary of the novel, covering the plot, themes, character analysis, and key takeaways.
About the Author
Kabir Alabi Garba is a seasoned journalist and author known for his deep exploration of societal themes. His works often focus on leadership, education, migration, and cultural preservation. In Lekki Headmaster, he presents a thought-provoking narrative on the challenges and triumphs of an educator navigating professional and personal dilemmas.
Plot Summary
The novel follows Bepo Adewale, the principal of Stardom Schools in Lekki, Lagos. Bepo is a dedicated educator who values academic excellence, cultural heritage, and moral leadership. Throughout the novel, he struggles with a major life decision—whether to leave Nigeria for the United Kingdom to reunite with his family or to remain at his beloved school.
Despite societal pressures and financial incentives abroad, Bepo’s deep commitment to his students and the Nigerian education system keeps him conflicted. The novel explores themes of migration, identity, and the educational landscape in Nigeria, highlighting the challenges of leadership and the sacrifices involved in staying true to one’s calling.
As the story unfolds, Bepo’s involvement in school activities, such as student debates, excursions, and prefect elections, adds depth to his character. The climax occurs when he decides to leave Nigeria, only to realize that his true purpose remains at Stardom Schools. His eventual return is met with joy from the school community, reinforcing the importance of passion and commitment in education.
Key Themes
- Education and Leadership – The novel underscores the transformative power of education and the role of educators in shaping future generations.
- Migration and Identity – The book delves into the “Japa syndrome,” highlighting the brain drain issue affecting Nigeria.
- Cultural Preservation – Through Bepo’s choices, the story emphasizes the importance of maintaining cultural and educational values despite external pressures.
- Moral Dilemmas and Sacrifice – Bepo’s internal conflict illustrates the sacrifices individuals make in pursuit of their dreams and responsibilities.
Major Characters
- Bepo Adewale – The protagonist, principal of Stardom Schools, and a dedicated educator.
- Mrs. Ibidun Gloss – Managing Director of Stardom Schools, who admires Bepo’s leadership.
- Jide – Bepo’s landlord’s grandson, mentored by Bepo.
- Mrs. Ignatius – A parent dealing with family and visa-related issues.
- Banky – A student involved in a rivalry with Tosh during the prefect elections.
- Tosh (Ogba Junior) – Banky’s rival and Chief Ogba’s son.
- Chief Didi Ogba – Tosh’s father, whose past imprisonment causes tension during the elections.
- Mr. Amos – The school accountant, known for efficiency and occasional humor.
- Mrs. Ogunwale & Family – Bepo’s supportive landlords, symbolizing neighborly relationships.
- Tai – The agent assisting Bepo with his passport renewal.
- Mrs. Ladele – A Nollywood enthusiast and mother of Bibi, a student haunted by nightmares about a teacher.
- Mr. Ike – A teacher and referee during the farewell football match, adding humor to the event.
- Mrs. Apeh – A strict and disciplined teacher.
- Mr. Audu – A staff member providing comic relief during tense moments.
- Mrs. Guta – A parent who complains about grammatical errors in the school’s materials.
- Mr. Nku – A former staff member who absconded with a loan, representing trust challenges in leadership.
Minor Characters:
- Bibi – Mrs. Ladele’s daughter, who fears a teacher due to his tribal marks.
- Mr. Ayesoro – A government teacher with tribal marks who inadvertently scares Bibi.
- Jeremi Amos – A staff member who assists in uncovering financial irregularities in the school’s cooperative funds.
- Mr. Fafore – An English teacher accused of making a grammatical error but later defended by Bepo.
- Mr. Ogunwale – Jide’s grandfather and Bepo’s landlord, supporting Bepo’s relocation efforts.
- The Prefects & Election Candidates – Students vying for leadership positions, reflecting democratic ideals.
- The Drama Club Members – Students performing cultural displays during the farewell ceremony.
- Parents at Open Day – Various parents reflecting diverse societal perspectives.
- Chief Mrs. Solape Bayo – Chairperson of the school’s board, involved in financial policy discussions.
- Mr. Egi Meko – Director of Beesway Group of Schools, contrasting Stardom’s values.
- Mr. Guta – A parent concerned about grammar issues in school materials.
Notable Groups:
- Stardom Cooperative Society Members – Staff benefiting from cooperative funds, leading to financial scrutiny.
- Students of Stardom Schools – A collective representation of Nigeria’s future, displaying loyalty, intelligence, and enthusiasm.
CHARACTERIZATION SUMMARY – LEKKI HEADMASTER
Bepo Adewale: The protagonist and principal of Stardom Schools, dedicated to discipline, cultural preservation, and holistic student development. His leadership blends compassion, firmness, and innovation. His internal conflict about relocating abroad reflects his love for Nigeria and his commitment to education.
Mrs. Ibidun Gloss: Managing Director of Stardom Schools, a strong leader who values Bepo’s contributions. She balances administrative duties with personal care for staff and students.
Jide: Bepo’s landlord’s grandson, symbolizing Bepo’s mentorship. His emotional reaction to Bepo’s departure highlights the principal’s impact.
Mrs. Ignatius: A parent facing familial and visa-related challenges, representing themes of trust and resilience.
Banky & Tosh: Rivals in the prefect elections, showcasing youth conflicts and leadership challenges.
Chief Didi Ogba: Tosh’s father, whose past imprisonment influences the school elections, symbolizing justice struggles.
Mr. Amos: The school accountant, bringing humor and financial integrity.
Mrs. Ogunwale & Family: Bepo’s landlords, symbolizing strong community support.
Tai: The agent assisting Bepo, exposing corruption in public institutions.
The Students: Represent Nigeria’s future, highlighting the impact of mentorship and education.
THE COMPREHENSIVE SUMMARY OF THE LEKKI HEADMASTER
Chapter 1: Dusk
The story opens with an unsettling scene at Stardom Schools’ morning assembly where Mr. Bepo Adewale, typically a confident and energetic principal, displays uncharacteristic behavior. As he approaches the podium, he appears distraught and unable to maintain eye contact with his audience. After several failed attempts to deliver his speech, he breaks down in tears, shocking the entire assembly. Vice Principal Mrs. Grace Apeh quickly takes control, directing staff to end the assembly while she and the school nurse, Mrs. Titi, escort Bepo to his office. Despite their efforts to console him, Bepo remains inconsolable, prompting Mrs. Apeh to contact the Managing Director, Mrs. Ibidun Gloss. When Mrs. Gloss arrives, she contemplates Bepo’s years of devoted service and worries about how his current state might affect the school’s reputation. Throughout this time, Bepo merely mutters phrases like “Oluwa gba mi o!” (“God, save me!”). The situation escalates to the point where Mr. Wande, a pastor and physics teacher, is called in to counsel Bepo, suggesting they contact his wife in London. The chapter concludes with the MD sending Bepo home under Mrs. Beke Egbin’s care, emphasizing the need for professional help while maintaining discretion to avoid alarming the school community.
Chapter 2: The Enticement
After a period of emotional turmoil, Mr. Bepo finally reveals the source of his distress – his impending relocation to the United Kingdom to reunite with his family. This decision weighs heavily on him as he deeply loves Stardom Schools and feels passionate about contributing to Nigeria’s educational development. However, the pressure from his wife Seri, who has already moved to the UK with their children Nike and Kike, leaves him little choice but to resign. Known as “The Lekki Headmaster” for his charismatic leadership and problem-solving abilities over two decades at Stardom Schools, Bepo finds himself torn between his professional dedication and family obligations. His colleagues debate the financial advantages of the move, pointing out the stark contrast between his current Nigerian salary of ₦400,000 and the potential UK earnings of £3,600 monthly. The situation is further complicated by his entrepreneurial dreams of starting a business in Nigeria after retirement, though past failures with a neighborhood school have left him cautious. Despite his reservations, Bepo recognizes the practical benefits of moving abroad and draws confidence from stories of other Nigerian teachers succeeding in foreign countries.
Chapter 3: Migration Tales
The chapter delves deep into the realities of relocating abroad as Bepo prepares for his departure from Nigeria. He examines the contrasting wage structures between developed countries and Nigeria, noting how the flexibility of hourly or weekly payments abroad allows for potentially higher earnings through additional work hours. However, he remains mindful of the substantial living costs in these countries, including taxes, rent, and maintenance expenses. Stories of Nigerian success abroad circulate, such as a cab driver earning $500 daily in the U.S., though these impressive figures often obscure the high cost of living in foreign currencies. The chapter also explores the desperate circumstances driving migration, with healthcare professionals and others often selling assets or taking loans to fund their journeys. Former colleagues share mixed experiences – Sola, a previous Home Economics teacher, describes initial struggles in the UK but praises the quality of infrastructure and healthcare, while others like Jare and Hope face significant personal and professional challenges abroad. These varied accounts paint a nuanced picture of migration, highlighting both opportunities and potential pitfalls.
Chapter 4: A Case of Visa Denied
The narrative shifts to a late-night phone call from Mrs. Ignatius, a parent at Stardom Schools, to Mr. Bepo. Her call reveals a complex family crisis centered around visa complications and paternity issues. The Ignatius family’s plans to relocate to London were derailed when a DNA test during visa processing revealed that their child, Favour, was not Mr. Ignatius’s biological offspring. This discovery created deep rifts in their marriage and led to visa denials. Meanwhile, Bepo reflects on his experiences managing an elite school, noting the various personalities and challenges he’s encountered among parents. A subplot emerges involving Mrs. Ladele’s daughter Bibi, who develops a fear of her government teacher, Mr. Ayesoro, due to his tribal marks. This situation eventually leads to Mr. Ayesoro’s transfer within the organization, highlighting the delicate balance required in managing both student welfare and staff dignity.
Chapter 5: Snake in the Roof
Managing Director Mrs. Ibidun Gloss discovers an unexpected situation during a routine inspection of school property – seventeen vehicles parked on recently acquired land, all bearing Stardom Schools’ stickers. This discovery leads to an investigation revealing that staff members purchased these vehicles through loans from the Stardom Cooperative Society, which holds ₦95 million with over ₦50 million already loaned out. The board of directors, led by Chief Mrs. Solape Bayo, expresses concern about potential misuse of funds and implements stricter financial controls, including a ₦250,000 loan cap and mandatory MD approval for future loans. The chapter effectively illustrates the challenges of maintaining financial accountability while fostering staff welfare.
Chapter 6: Ade as Well as Jide – COMES vs. COME
During Open Day at Stardom Schools, a grammatical dispute emerges when a parent questions teacher Mr. Fafore’s use of “Ade as well as Jide comes early.” The MD initially criticizes Fafore harshly, but Mr. Bepo defends him by explaining the grammatical rule. After research confirms Fafore’s usage as correct, the situation resolves with good humor, highlighting the pressures educators face in maintaining high standards and the importance of fair judgment.
Chapter 7: “Ritualists”
The chapter explores Bepo’s earlier experience at Beesway Group of Schools, where his attention to grammatical accuracy created tension with the director, Mr. Egi Meko. A more sinister element emerges when Bepo witnesses what appears to be a ritualistic ceremony involving the burial of a live cow, leading to a confrontation that leaves him injured. The chapter concludes with news of Mr. Ogo’s involvement in ritual murder, connecting to the mysterious events at Beesway and highlighting darker aspects of society.
Chapter 8: Missions Unaccomplished
The chapter focuses on Stardom Schools’ democratic process for selecting prefects, emphasizing leadership development among students. The selection process involves careful screening for academic excellence, moral character, and financial responsibility. However, the process becomes complicated when candidate Banky insults opponent Tosh by referencing his father’s imprisonment, leading to legal disputes between the families. The chapter also touches on Bepo’s connection to the school’s Invention Club and its phone-making initiative.
Chapter 9: Laughing Waterfalls
Stardom Schools’ commitment to comprehensive education shines through its diverse excursion program, taking students to historical sites like Badagry and natural wonders including Ikogosi Warm Springs, Erin Ijesha Waterfalls, and Owu Waterfalls. These trips blend education with cultural enrichment, allowing students to connect with their heritage. Bepo reflects on how these experiences contrast with modern migration trends, drawing parallels between historical slavery and contemporary “japa” (migration) phenomena.
Chapter 10: Passport Pains
Bepo’s journey to renew his expired passport reveals the challenges within Nigeria’s bureaucratic system. Facing corruption and inefficiency in Lagos, he opts to process his passport in Ibadan through an agent named Tai. Additional complications arise with his National Identity Number (NIN), highlighting the frustrations citizens face when dealing with public services. The chapter effectively portrays the emotional and financial toll of navigating government systems.
Chapter 11: Point of No Return
Stardom Schools organizes an elaborate farewell celebration for Bepo, featuring a novelty football match, a debate on “Arts vs. Sciences,” and cultural performances. The event culminates in an emotional presentation of a $10,000 cheque, the largest ever given to a departing staff member. The celebration showcases the deep impact Bepo had on the school community and his dedication to education over 24 years of service.
Chapter 12: Dawn
The final chapter follows Bepo’s careful preparation for his departure to the UK, including emotional farewells with neighbors and colleagues. However, after reaching his destination, Bepo makes an unexpected return to Stardom Schools, unable to leave behind his mission and the community he loves. The story concludes with joyous celebrations as students and staff welcome him back, singing the school’s victory song and reaffirming their unity. This powerful ending emphasizes themes of dedication, community, and the transformative power of education.
Conclusion
“The Lekki Headmaster” is more than just a novel about an educator’s dilemma. It’s a profound commentary on contemporary Nigerian society, exploring themes of identity, duty, and personal fulfillment. Through Bepo’s journey, readers are invited to reflect on their own values and the impact of their choices on their communities.
For JAMB candidates, understanding these themes and their interconnections is crucial for success in the examination. The novel’s rich story provides valuable insights into the complexities of modern Nigerian society while highlighting the enduring importance of education and cultural values.
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