19/03/2025
SUMMARY OF LEKKI HEADMASTER, JAMB NOVEL for 2025 CANDIDATE
The book “Lekki Headmaster” written by Kabir Alabi Garba is the JAMB novel for 2025 Candidates, regardless of the course, they are applying to study will be tested on this new book. Candidates are to note that about 15 to 35 questions will likely come from the recommended compulsory novel in the use of English exam questions.
A copy of the book is to be given to candidates at the point of registration in any of the 2025 JAMB accredited CBT centres after candidates has paid and obtained the JAMB e-registration PIN.
About The Novel
Lekki Headmaster by Kabir Alabi Garba tells the inspiring story of Bepo, a passionate teacher deeply committed to his students and the power of education. Despite societal pressures and temptations to seek a “better life,” Bepo stays true to his calling, believing in the transformative impact of teaching. His journey is filled with challenges that test his values, forcing him to make tough decisions that reveal his strength of character.
The novel captures the struggles educators face in a world where personal fulfillment often clashes with society’s definition of success. Bepo’s unwavering dedication to his students and his mission to see them succeed highlights the importance of resilience and purpose.
Through Bepo’s story, Lekki Headmaster sheds light on the complexities of balancing personal aspirations with professional duties. It’s a powerful testament to the courage it takes to follow one’s passion and the enduring value of education in shaping lives. This is a must-read for anyone seeking motivation to stay true to their purpose.
About The Author
Kabir Alabi Garba is a journalist, author, and strong supporter of quality education in Nigeria. Known for his engaging storytelling, he writes about important topics like leadership, migration, education, and culture. In The Lekki Headmaster, Garba uses a relatable story to highlight the challenges and successes Nigerians face, offering valuable lessons for students and teachers alike.
Main Characters
Bepo Adewale: The protagonist, a passionate principal of Stardom Schools, committed to education and his students.
Mrs. Ibidun Gloss: Managing Director of Stardom Schools who admires Bepo’s leadership and dedication.
Jide: The grandson of Bepo’s landlord, mentored by Bepo to achieve his potential.
Mrs. Ignatius: A parent at Stardom Schools, balancing family struggles and visa challenges.
Banky and Tosh (Ogba Junior): Rival students competing in the prefect elections, with Tosh being the son of Chief Ogba.
Chief Didi Ogba: Tosh’s father, whose past imprisonment creates tension during the elections.
Mr. Amos: The efficient school accountant who occasionally adds humor to the story.
Supporting Characters
Mrs. Ogunwale and Family: Bepo’s supportive landlords, embodying good neighborly values.
Tai: The agent who helps Bepo with his passport renewal, symbolizing resilience during challenges.
Mrs. Ladele and Bibi: Mrs. Ladele is a Nollywood fan, while her daughter Bibi fears a teacher due to his tribal marks.
Mr. Ike: A teacher and referee in the farewell football match, known for his humorous personality.
Mrs. Apeh: A stern teacher who emphasizes discipline.
Mr. Audu: A staff member who provides comic relief in tense moments.
Mr. Nku: A former staff member who fled with a loan, highlighting the theme of trust.
Summary Of The Book Lekki Headmaster: Chapter By Chapter
Chapter 1: Dusk
The story starts with a strange scene during the morning assembly at Stardom Schools. Mr. Bepo Adewale, the principal, is acting strangely. He’s usually confident, but today he looks upset and avoids looking at anyone. He tries to give his speech but ends up crying instead. The Vice Principal, Mrs. Grace Apeh, steps in to help. She asks the staff to end the assembly and takes Mr. Bepo to his office with the school nurse. Everyone is worried, but no one knows why Mr. Bepo is so upset.
Later, Mrs. Apeh contacts the school’s Managing Director, Mrs. Ibidun Gloss, who arrives and wonders why Mr. Bepo is acting this way, especially since he’s always been dedicated to the school. The MD suspects that something personal might be bothering him and asks Mr. Wande, a pastor and teacher, to help. He suggests calling Bepo’s wife, who lives in London, hinting that it might be a family issue. Mr. Bepo’s emotional state makes everyone worried, and the MD decides to send him home for professional help while keeping everything low-key to avoid causing panic among the students and parents.
Chapter 2: The Enticement
After several days, Mr. Bepo reveals that he’s leaving Nigeria to join his family in the UK. It’s a tough decision for him because he loves his job and students. However, his wife Seri, who is already living in the UK with their children, has been pressuring him to join them. Bepo is torn between his love for Stardom Schools and the need to keep his family together.
He remembers his two decades of work at the school and how he earned the nickname “The Lekki Headmaster” because of his problem-solving skills. Some of his colleagues joke about his hesitation to move, especially because of the financial benefits of living in the UK. Bepo is worried about how his dreams of starting a business in Nigeria might be affected by the move. Despite his doubts, he feels the pressure to earn more money in the UK and thinks about how other Nigerian teachers are doing well abroad.
Chapter 3: Migration Tales
Mr. Bepo thinks about what life will be like in the UK. He hears about Nigerians who make a lot of money abroad, like a cab driver in the U.S. who earns $500 a day. However, he also knows that living abroad is expensive, and many migrants end up not saving much after paying for high living costs.
Bepo also remembers hearing stories from Nigerians who left the country for better opportunities. Some sell their things or take loans to afford the move. He recalls the case of Mr. Nku, who borrowed money from the school but disappeared, and a driver who sold a school bus to pay for his son’s college tuition.
A former teacher, Sola, talks to Bepo about her life in the UK, including how she had to borrow money to pay for her first apartment. Despite the challenges, she appreciates the good infrastructure and healthcare. Other stories, though, are less positive, with Nigerians facing hardships abroad. Bepo realizes that moving abroad might not be the solution for everyone and that it’s important to plan carefully.
Chapter 4: A Case of Visa Denied
One night, Bepo receives a call from Mrs. Ignatius, a parent at the school, who complains about her family’s visa issues. Her husband, Mr. Ignatius, had agreed to move to the UK for the sake of their children, but a DNA test showed that one of their children, Favour, wasn’t his biological child. This causes problems with their visa application, and the family’s plans fall apart.
Mrs. Ignatius tells Bepo she didn’t cheat on her husband, but they are stuck because the embassy denied their visas. Bepo listens but is more focused on his own move to the UK. He reflects on his experiences at Stardom, thinking about how he might write a book about his time there.
The chapter ends with a side story about Mrs. Ladele, who has a daughter, Bibi, who is scared of a teacher named Mr. Ayesoro because of his tribal marks. After Bibi’s nightmares, the teacher is transferred to a different division to address the issue.
Chapter 5: Snake in the Roof
Mrs. Ibidun Gloss, the Managing Director of Stardom Schools, goes to inspect some land the school bought. She discovers that staff members are using the land as a parking lot for their cars. She is shocked by how many expensive cars are there, like Toyotas and buses, and wonders how the staff can afford them.
It turns out that many of the cars were bought through loans from the Stardom Cooperative Society. However, the MD is concerned that the cooperative might not be financially strong enough to support such large loans. She finds out that the cooperative has a large amount of money, but a lot of it is already loaned out to staff. The MD calls a meeting with the school board to discuss the issue.
They decide to limit the amount staff can borrow and put stricter controls in place to prevent misuse of the funds.
Chapter 6: Ade as Well as Jide – COMES vs. COME
During Open Day at Stardom Schools, a parent points out a grammatical mistake in a teacher’s note. Mrs. Ibidun Gloss, the MD, overreacts and says the teacher, Mr. Fafore, should be fired. But Mr. Bepo, the principal, defends him, explaining that the sentence is actually correct. After researching, they confirm that Mr. Bepo and Mr. Fafore were right.
The MD feels embarrassed about her mistake and the staff laugh it off. The chapter shows how teachers are under pressure to be perfect, but mistakes can happen even to the best of them.
Chapter 7: “Ritualists”
Bepo reflects on his time at another school, where his attention to detail led to conflicts with the director. He pointed out a grammatical error in the school’s name which should have been “Beesway Group of Schools” instead of “Group of School”, but the director refused to fix it, claiming it was divinely inspired. Later, Bepo witnesses something strange: he sees men, including the director, performing what looks like a ritual, burying a live cow. He confronts them, but things get violent.
This incident leaves Bepo scared, and he wonders about the director’s true intentions. The chapter also touches on Bepo’s earlier attempts to start a school, which failed due to lack of support and poor infrastructure.
Chapter 8: Missions Unaccomplished
As Bepo prepares to leave Nigeria, there’s a legal dispute between two families at the school. Meanwhile, the school is holding elections for new prefects. Students must demonstrate leadership skills, pay fees, and deliver speeches to apply for positions. However, during the election speech day, a student named Banky insults his opponent, Tosh, leading to a fight. The rivalry between the two families becomes a big issue, and the school’s reputation is at risk.
Bepo reflects on his involvement with the school’s Invention Club and its Breath Project, a phone-making initiative. He worries that leaving Nigeria might affect the project but hopes it will succeed even if he’s abroad.
Chapter 9: Laughing Waterfalls
Stardom Schools organizes trips and cultural programs for students to learn more about Nigeria’s heritage. Students visit historical sites, museums, and natural wonders like waterfalls. Bepo believes these excursions are an important part of education because they help students connect with their country’s history.
He contrasts this with the trend of Nigerians migrating abroad for a better life, which he compares to the historical slavery that Africans endured. The trips help students feel pride in their culture and heritage.
Chapter 10: Passport Pains
Bepo had been delaying the renewal of his expired passport, assuming there was no rush. However, his wife Seri in the UK needed him to join her, and the pressure to renew it grew. Initially, Bepo tried renewing his passport in Lagos but encountered bureaucracy, bribery, and middlemen. Frustrated, he decided to go to Ibadan for a smoother process.
There, Bepo met an agent named Tai, who promised a quicker service but required additional payments for expedited processing. During his journey, Bepo was impressed by the infrastructure improvements along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, but his troubles continued. Problems with his National Identity Number (NIN) led to more delays, and he found himself stuck in yet another frustrating government office.
Despite the setbacks, Bepo’s determination to complete the renewal never wavered. The process was a painful reminder of the systemic issues people face when dealing with essential services in Nigeria.
Chapter 11: Point of No Return
As Bepo prepared to leave for the UK, Stardom Schools held a farewell event in his honor, celebrating his years of service. The event began with a fun football match between the staff and students, where the referee’s questionable decisions kept the atmosphere lighthearted.
The grand finale was a cultural performance by the drama club, which included traditional Nigerian dances. Bepo, moved by the display, reflected on the painful history of slavery and the current trend of Nigerians seeking better opportunities abroad—a phenomenon known as “japa.”
During the farewell speech, Mrs. Ibidun Gloss, the Managing Director, praised Bepo’s contributions and presented him with a $10,000 cheque, the largest ever given to a departing staff member. The heartfelt gesture left Bepo overwhelmed with gratitude, and he thanked the entire school community for making his time there so memorable.
Chapter 12: Dawn
Bepo prepares to leave for the UK, but this time, he is determined not to miss his flight. He ensures everything is in order and gets help from his landlord, who gives him a ride to the airport. Bepo has a heartfelt farewell with his neighbors and colleagues. At the airport, he feels emotional but stays composed.
However, when the plane takes off, Bepo has a vivid dream about Nigeria’s past and struggles, which makes him feel conflicted about leaving. The next day, Bepo surprises everyone by returning to Stardom Schools, saying that he can’t leave because his heart and mission are with the school. The chapter ends with everyone welcoming him back joyfully.
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