The Lekki Headmaster: Complete JAMB 2026 Guide
The Lekki Headmaster by Kabir Alabi Garba is the official JAMB 2026 Use of English reading text. It replaces The Life Changer from previous years. Every JAMB candidate will be tested on this novel — regardless of your chosen course.
This guide gives you everything you need: chapter summaries, character analysis, key themes, and practice questions in JAMB format.
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About the Novel
Mr. Bepo Adewale has been the beloved principal of Stardom Schools in Lekki, Lagos for over 24 years. Known affectionately as "Principoo" by his students, he faces an agonizing decision: should he leave his students and career behind to join his wife Seri, a nurse, in the United Kingdom?
The novel explores themes that resonate deeply with modern Nigeria — the "Japa" phenomenon (emigration), the tension between personal ambition and national contribution, and the value of education.
Chapter-by-Chapter Summary
Chapter 1: Dusk
It is 4:30pm at Stardom Schools, a private school in Lekki, Lagos, and Mr. Bepo Adewale, the principal (nicknamed "Principoo" by his students), sits in his office preparing to leave the school permanently. After more than two decades of service, Bepo is relocating to the United Kingdom to reunite with his wife, Seri (a nurse), and their two children, Nike and Kike. Mrs. Grace Apeh, the vice principal, tearfully completes the handover, while the managing director, Mrs. Ibidun Gloss (daughter of the school's late founder, Chief David Aje), reluctantly accepts his resignation. The chapter establishes Stardom Schools as the backbone of the Stardom Group of Companies, which also includes a property wing called Stardom Hub.
Chapter 2: The Enticement
The chapter reveals how Bepo's decision to relocate developed over time. His wife Seri had moved to the UK to work as a nurse, taking Nike and Kike along in what was supposed to be a temporary arrangement. Mrs. Ignatius, a parent at Stardom, offered to help Bepo with the visa process, painting an enticing picture of life in England. Seri subtly encouraged the move by sharing stories of Nigerian migrants — both success stories and cautionary tales, such as a former school principal now working as a care home assistant. Bepo confided in three close colleagues: Mr. Audu (the Fine Arts teacher and resident comedian), Mr. Oyelana (the CRK teacher), and Mrs. Apeh (the vice principal). What weighed heaviest on him was leaving the school where he had created the Invention Club and introduced the excursion programme.
Chapter 3: Migration Tales
Seri continues sharing stories of Nigerian migrants in the UK to prepare Bepo for the reality of life abroad. Some professionals thrive, while others — university lecturers driving Uber, architects cleaning offices at night — struggle despite their Nigerian qualifications. The chapter explores the "Japa" phenomenon (Yoruba slang meaning "to run" or "to flee"), the mass emigration of Nigerians driven by insecurity and economic hardship. Bepo wrestles with his identity: at Stardom he is "Principoo," the man who greets students at the gate every Monday and Wednesday, puts his left hand in his pocket while speaking, says "other things being equal..." before making a point, and tells students "if you say education is too expensive, try ignorance!" He fears becoming, as a returned doctor friend put it, "a nobody trying to become a somebody."
Chapter 4: A Case of Visa Denied
Bepo's first visa application to the British High Commission is denied because the immigration officer cannot believe a man with a stable career would leave it all behind. He applies again with stronger documentation and is granted the visa. Meanwhile, at Stardom, Mrs. Ladele's daughter, Bibi, has a nightmare about Mr. Ayesoro, the Government teacher with prominent tribal marks whom students nickname "Mr. Owala." Bibi screams so badly that her siblings, Tim and Love, are woken up, and neither the children nor their mother sleeps again that night. Bibi had been terrified of Ayesoro since encountering him at a Blue House basketball practice, and she had to be reassigned to Green House. Fearing the Ladele family might withdraw their children, the management transfers Mr. Ayesoro to Stardom Hub, the property wing.
Chapter 5: Snake in the Roof
During long break, Mrs. Ibidun Gloss takes a walk and discovers a piece of land behind the school where 17 staff vehicles are secretly parked. The security guard, Jombo, reveals that teachers hide their cars from management. The MD summons the principal and accountant, Mr. Jeremi Amos, suspecting the staff are stealing from the school. They assure her the finances are intact and that many teachers funded their cars through the Stardom Cooperative Society, which holds N95 million with over N50 million loaned out. At an emergency board meeting, the chairman, Chief Mrs. Solape Bayo (the MD's mother), declares: "It's like hanging a snake in the roof and going to bed." The board caps borrowing at N250,000 per staff member and requires all loans to be approved by the MD.
Chapter 6: Ade as Well as Jide COMES vs. COME
During an Open Day, a parent, Mr. Guta, storms out after seeing the sentence "Ade as well as Jide comes early" in his son's notebook and complains to the MD. Mrs. Gloss, furious, orders the English teacher, Mr. Fafore, to be sacked within 30 minutes. The chapter reveals Fafore's struggles: he earns N175,000 monthly, lives in Ifo (Ogun State) in a house he built himself, wakes at 4:00am daily, and has twice won the Most Punctual Teacher Award. At an emergency staff meeting, the MD reads the "offending" sentence aloud. But Bepo calmly explains that "as well as" takes a singular verb, unlike "and" — making Fafore's grammar perfectly correct. Everyone verifies this on their phones and finds Bepo and Fafore are right. Mr. Audu breaks the awkward silence by saying: "Mr. Fafore, as well as the principal, IS correct. And the MD is hereby pardoned, discharged, and acquitted" — sending the room into laughter and saving the day.
Chapter 7: Ritualists
This chapter details Bepo's earlier career before Stardom. At Beesway Group of School (note the deliberate grammatical error), Bepo clashed with the director, Mr. Egi Meko, over the school's incorrect name — it should be "Group of Schools," not "Group of School." Meko refused to change it, claiming the name was "divinely inspired." One night at 2:51am, Bepo witnessed Meko and several men burying a cow alive on the school grounds. When Bepo tried to intervene, he was struck on the right wrist with a club and threatened with his own machete. The chapter also recounts how Bepo and a colleague earlier established Fruitful Future School after NYSC, and how a parent named Mr. Ogo offered to perform a ritual (sprinkling corn for N35,000) to boost enrolment — which they refused. Ogo later appeared on the news, arrested for murdering a female client by burying her alive. Bepo eventually left Beesway voluntarily after the cow-burial incident.
Chapter 8: Missions Unaccomplished
Bepo reflects on matters he will leave unresolved. A three-year legal tussle between the families of two students, Banky and Tosh, dominates the chapter. During a Speech Day campaign for Social Prefect, Banky called Tosh "the son of an ex-convict." Tosh's father, Chief Didi Ogba, had actually spent 36 months in detention over alleged misappropriation of a N2.5 billion contract but was released after the court ruled he was not directly guilty. The rivalry had deeper roots: the boys clashed in a JSS 3 Best Dancer competition (Banky won 3-2), their mothers fought over a PTA election, and their fathers belonged to opposing political parties. Bepo is also worried about the Invention Club's five-year-old Breath Project — a phone-making initiative using recycled panels and chips, supported by an NGO called Life Grid. He fears his departure could derail the project.
Chapter 9: Laughing Waterfalls
This chapter celebrates Bepo's excursion programme, which took Stardom students across Nigeria. Key excursion sites include the Owu Waterfalls in Kwara (the highest in West Africa at 120 metres), Ikogosi Warm Springs in Ekiti (discovered in 1852 by Rev. John S. McGee), Erin-Ijesha Waterfalls in Osun, and Gurara Falls in Niger State. Students also visited Yankari Games Reserve in Bauchi, the National War Museum in Umuahia, and the Ooni of Ife Palace. In Lagos, they toured landmarks from Banana Island to Ajegunle, where Bepo told students: "Being born in a place like this does not condemn one to a life of penury." The chapter culminates in a trip to Badagry, where students visited the Akran's palace, the First Storey Building (built by Henry Townsend in 1846), the first primary school in Nigeria (Anglican Nursery and Primary School, established 1843), and the Point of No Return. At the Black Heritage Museum, Bepo is emotionally overwhelmed by the slavery relics and begins to draw parallels between the historical slave trade and modern Japa emigration.
Chapter 10: Passport Pains
Bepo's expired passport creates a fresh obstacle. COVID-19 had delayed renewal, and the Japa rush has swelled queues at passport offices. He travels to Ibadan, Oyo State, to avoid the Lagos crowds and meets an agent called Tai, who charges N100,000 instead of the official N70,000 for a 10-year, 64-page renewal. The chapter describes Bepo's journey on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in a six-passenger Toyota Sienna from Ojota park. At the passport office, the process goes relatively smoothly, but Bepo's NIN needs validation at a separate office, causing weeks of additional delay due to network glitches and putting his travel date at risk.
Chapter 11: Point of No Return
Stardom Schools hosts a three-day farewell for Bepo. On Wednesday, a novelty football match sees the staff beat the students 3-2, thanks to the biased refereeing of games master Mr. Ibe. On Thursday, a debate on whether arts or sciences have contributed more to Nigeria's development is won by the SSS 3 students supporting the arts, citing Wole Soyinka's 1986 Nobel Prize and Nollywood's GDP contribution. On Friday, the grand finale features comedy skits imitating Bepo's mannerisms, followed by performances of the Bata (Yoruba), Atilogwu (Igbo), Koroso (Hausa), and Canoe (Badagry) dances. During the Canoe dance, Bepo slips into a dream-like state, reliving the horrors of slavery, and screams "Noooo!" before the entire audience. He quickly covers by saying no school could have done the dance better. Mrs. Gloss reveals that Bepo arrived eight days late when he was first employed by her father, Chief David Aje, 24 years earlier, and presents him with a domiciliary cheque of at least $10,000 — the highest farewell gift in Stardom's history. Bepo breaks down in tears at the podium.
Chapter 12: ...Dawn
On departure day, Bepo's landlord, Mr. Ogunwale, drives him to the airport along with his grandchildren, Jide and Kemi. Seven-year-old Kemi tells Bepo, "You want to Japa!" Four Stardom colleagues — Mrs. Apeh, Mr. Audu, Mr. Oyelana, and Mr. Amos — meet him at Ikeja Underbridge and accompany him to Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MM2). After check-in for his Emirates 10:00pm flight, Bepo dozes off at the boarding gate and dreams of the Badagry slave museum: slaves are tortured, marched to the Point of No Return, and loaded onto a ship. A White man points at the vessel and tells Bepo: "Enter!" Bepo screams "Noooo!" and leaps from his seat, startling airline officials. In the novel's twist ending, Bepo does not board the plane. On Monday morning, as the dejected school community gathers for assembly without their principal, a shout of "Principoo!" rings out at the gate. Bepo appears, grinning, arms wide open. The students rush to him, lift him onto their shoulders, and carry him around the school as he cries: "I am back! I didn't go! I'm not going again! My heart is here!" The chapter title "...Dawn" mirrors Chapter 1's "Dusk" — what seemed like an ending is actually a new beginning.
Main Characters
| Character | Role | Key Traits |
|---|---|---|
| Mr. Bepo (Adebepo) Adewale | Principal of Stardom Schools | Passionate educator, puts left hand in pocket while speaking, says "other things being equal" and "if you say education is too expensive, try ignorance," wears a crucifix, created the Invention Club and excursion programme |
| Seri Adewale | Bepo's wife | Nurse working in the UK, subtly encourages Bepo to relocate, shares migrant stories to prepare him for life abroad |
| Nike and Kike | Bepo and Seri's children | Live in the UK with their mother |
| Mrs. Ibidun Gloss | Managing Director of Stardom Schools | Daughter of founder Chief David Aje, firm and sometimes harsh, suffers from a painful buttock condition |
| Mrs. Grace Apeh | Vice Principal | Loyal, emotional, described as more of a sister than a colleague to Bepo, accompanies him to the airport |
| Mr. Audu | Fine Arts teacher | The comic relief of the novel, always has a joke ready, defuses tense situations with humour |
| Mr. Fafore | English Language teacher | Earns N175,000 monthly, lives in Ifo (Ogun State), wakes at 4am daily, twice won Most Punctual Teacher Award, nearly sacked over correct grammar |
| Mr. Jeremi Amos | School accountant | Reassures the MD about school finances, accompanies Bepo to the airport |
| Mr. Oyelana | CRK teacher | Devout Christian, one of Bepo's close confidants |
| Mr. Egi Meko | Director of Beesway Group of School | Refuses to correct the school's grammatical error, involved in burying a cow alive on school grounds |
| Chief Mrs. Solape Bayo | Board Chairman, Stardom Schools | MD's mother, uses the "snake in the roof" proverb, leads the decision to cap cooperative loans |
| Chief David Aje | Late founder of Stardom Schools | Hired Bepo personally 24 years earlier despite him arriving eight days late |
| Mr. Ayesoro (Mr. Owala) | Government teacher | Known for his prominent tribal marks, frightens student Bibi, transferred to Stardom Hub |
| Banky and Tosh | Rival SSS 2 students | Their families are locked in a three-year legal dispute after Banky calls Tosh "the son of an ex-convict" |
| Mr. Ogo | Parent at Fruitful Future School | Offered a corn-sprinkling ritual for N35,000, later arrested for murdering a client by burying her alive |
| Mrs. Ignatius | Parent at Stardom Schools | Offered to help Bepo with the UK visa process |
| Jombo | Security guard | Reveals to the MD that staff park their cars on the vacant land behind the school |
Key Themes
1. The Japa Phenomenon (Brain Drain)
The novel's central theme. Bepo's struggle to decide whether to leave Nigeria mirrors the choices thousands of professionals face daily. The word "Japa" — Yoruba slang meaning "to run" or "to flee" — has become the defining word of a generation.
2. Modern Emigration vs. Historical Slavery
The Badagry excursion and Bepo's recurring dreams draw a deliberate parallel between the slave trade's Point of No Return and the modern airport departure gate. Both involve Nigerians leaving their homeland — one by force, the other by choice.
3. The Nigerian Education System
Through Stardom Schools, the novel examines private school management, teacher welfare (Fafore's N175,000 salary), job insecurity, and the gap between what teachers earn and what parents pay.
4. Rituals and Superstition
The Beesway cow-burial and Mr. Ogo's corn-sprinkling ritual highlight the clash between superstition and genuine hard work in building institutions.
5. Passion vs. Family
Bepo's internal conflict between his love for Stardom and his duty to his family drives the entire plot. In the end, his heart chooses the school.
6. Nigerian Cultural Heritage
The excursion chapter showcases Nigeria's waterfalls, museums, palaces, and festivals — emphasising the richness of the country Bepo considers leaving.
Sample JAMB Practice Questions
Question 1: What is the name of the school where Bepo serves as principal?
A. Fruitful Future School B. Beesway Group of Schools C. Stardom Schools D. Heroes Haven Academy
Answer: C
Question 2: Who founded Stardom Schools?
A. Mrs. Ibidun Gloss B. Chief David Aje C. Chief Mrs. Solape Bayo D. Mr. Bepo Adewale
Answer: B
Question 3: Who proves that Fafore's grammar is actually correct?
A. Mr. Oyelana B. Mrs. Ibidun Gloss C. Mr. Audu D. Mr. Bepo Adewale
Answer: D
Question 4: What grammatical error does Bepo discover in the name of Beesway Group of School?
A. The name should include 'Limited' B. 'Group' should be 'Groop' C. 'Group of School' should be 'Group of Schools' D. 'Beesway' is misspelled
Answer: C
Question 5: Which of these is one of Bepo's signature sayings?
A. The pen is mightier than the sword B. Knowledge is power C. No condition is permanent D. If you say education is too expensive, try ignorance
Answer: D
Question 6: What is the title of the final chapter?
A. Point of No Return B. Missions Unaccomplished C. ...Dawn D. Dusk
Answer: C
Question 7: Where is Stardom Schools located?
A. Surulere, Lagos B. Victoria Island, Lagos C. Ikeja, Lagos D. Lekki, Lagos
Answer: D
Question 8: What is the name of the security guard who reveals to the MD that staff park their cars on the vacant land?
A. Tai B. Ibe C. Amos D. Jombo
Answer: D
Question 9: What had the earlier rivalry between Banky and Tosh been about when they were in JSS 3?
A. A football match B. A fight over class prefect position C. A best dancer competition at the end-of-year party D. An academic competition
Answer: C
Question 10: Which Nigerian won the Nobel Prize for Literature, as cited in the farewell debate?
A. J.P. Clark B. Chimamanda Adichie C. Wole Soyinka D. Chinua Achebe
Answer: C
Want more questions? Schowl has 100+ Lekki Headmaster practice questions in real JAMB format with AI-powered explanations for every answer.
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How to Study The Lekki Headmaster for JAMB
- Read the full novel at least twice — there is no shortcut
- Use this summary as a revision tool, not a replacement for reading
- Practice with real-format questions on Schowl — we have 100+ questions from this novel
- Pay attention to themes — JAMB loves asking about themes and moral lessons
- Know your characters — who did what, and why
- Remember specific details — names, places, numbers (N175,000, N95 million, 24 years, etc.)
- Understand the grammar lessons — the "as well as" rule from Chapter 6 is a likely JAMB question
Last updated: March 15, 2026. This guide is based on The Lekki Headmaster by Kabir Alabi Garba, the official JAMB 2026–2030 Use of English prescribed novel.