Quick facts
Title: The Lekki Headmaster · Author: Kabir Alabi Garba · Setting: Lekki, Lagos · Protagonist: Mr. Bepo Adewale (principal of Stardom Schools) · Chapters: 12 (Dusk → Dawn) · Why it matters: compulsory for every UTME candidate in Use of English.
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About the novel
The Lekki Headmaster tells the story of Mr. Bepo Adewale, the principled and long-serving principal of Stardom Schools in Lekki, Lagos. Affectionately nicknamed “The Lekki Headmaster” for his wisdom, humour and skill at resolving conflicts, Bepo faces an agonising decision: whether to leave the students and career he loves to “japa” — relocate to the United Kingdom to join his wife, Seri, a nurse — or stay and continue serving his country. Around this central dilemma, the novel paints a vivid picture of modern Nigerian life: the pull of emigration, corruption in private education, and the moral weight of leadership.
The author, Kabir Alabi Garba, is a Nigerian journalist and author known for stories that examine leadership, migration, education and cultural identity.
Chapter-by-chapter summary
The novel unfolds across twelve chapters, moving symbolically from “Dusk” to “Dawn.” Here is what to focus on in each:
Chapter 1: Dusk
The novel opens dramatically at a morning assembly, where the usually composed principal, Bepo, breaks down emotionally before his students and staff. His uncharacteristic collapse hints at a deep personal crisis and introduces the pressure at the heart of the story. Focus on: the introduction of Bepo, the school setting, and the first clues of his inner conflict.
Chapter 2: The Enticement
This chapter develops the pull toward relocation abroad — the 'enticement' of a supposedly better life overseas. Focus on: the arguments and pressures encouraging Bepo to leave, and how the japa theme begins to take shape.
Chapter 3: Migration Tales
Stories and experiences of migration are explored, weighing the promises of life abroad against its hidden difficulties. Focus on: differing views on emigration, and the realities behind the 'greener pastures' idea.
Chapter 4: A Case of Visa Denied
The obstacles and disappointments of the migration process come to the fore through the setback of a visa denial. Focus on: the practical and emotional toll of trying to relocate, and what it reveals about characters' hopes.
Chapter 5: Snake in the Roof
A tense chapter whose title signals hidden danger or a lurking problem within the school or community. Focus on: conflict, suspicion, and threats to the harmony Bepo works to maintain.
Chapter 6: Ade as Well as Jide (COMES vs. COME)
This chapter is closely tied to a grammar point JAMB loves — subject–verb agreement with the phrase 'as well as'. Focus on: why the singular verb form is correct in 'Ade, as well as Jide, comes...', and other agreement rules the novel highlights.
Chapter 7: Ritualists
A darker strand of the story addressing greed and moral decay, warning against dangerous shortcuts to wealth. Focus on: the theme of moral corruption and its consequences.
Chapter 8: Missions Unaccomplished
Plans and ambitions meet setbacks in this chapter, deepening the sense of struggle. Focus on: goals that go unmet, and how characters respond to disappointment.
Chapter 9: Laughing Waterfalls
A more reflective, hopeful chapter whose imagery suggests relief or renewal. Focus on: moments of lightness, resilience, and the emotional rhythm of the novel.
Chapter 10: Passport Pains
The frustrations of documentation and the bureaucracy of relocation continue to test the characters. Focus on: the obstacles to emigration and their effect on relationships.
Chapter 11: Point of No Return
A decisive chapter where key choices can no longer be undone. Focus on: the climax of Bepo's dilemma and the turning point in the story.
Chapter 12: Dawn
The closing chapter moves from the darkness of 'Dusk' toward hope and resolution. Focus on: how the central conflict is resolved and the novel's final message about leadership, sacrifice and belonging.
Note: these are Belmadeng’s own concise study orientations of the novel’s widely documented plot, in our own words — they are a study aid, not a substitute for reading the full novel. Always read the complete text where you can.
Major themes
Migration (the 'japa' syndrome) versus patriotism
The novel's dominant theme. Through Bepo's agonising choice between joining his family abroad and staying to serve his students and country, it explores the mass emigration of Nigerian professionals — the emotional cost, the guilt, and the question of whether leaving is seeking a better life or abandoning a country that needs its best people.
Corruption in private education
The story is critical of moral decay in the education sector, including the undue influence of wealthy, powerful parents who expect money to bend the rules. Bepo's principled stand throws this corruption into sharp relief.
Principled leadership and sacrifice
Bepo embodies dedicated, empathetic leadership. The novel treats the role of a headmaster as a moral position, not just an administrative one, and weighs the personal sacrifices such leadership demands.
Family, duty and personal fulfilment
Bepo is caught between duty to his students and duty to his family, and between society's expectations and his own vocation — a tension many readers recognise.
Main characters
- Mr. Bepo Adewale — The protagonist — the long-serving, principled and beloved principal of Stardom Schools, nicknamed 'The Lekki Headmaster'. The novel follows his struggle over whether to relocate abroad.
- Seri — Bepo's wife, a nurse living and working abroad, whose situation is central to the pressure on Bepo to 'japa'.
- Pastor Wande — A staff member (a pastor and teacher) who counsels Bepo during his crisis and suggests reaching out to his wife.
- Mrs. Ibidun Gloss — A member of staff associated with the school's day-to-day drama and remembered for her sharp, witty remarks.
Free CBT practice on The Lekki Headmaster
Test yourself with our free, editorially-verified questions on the novel — written to the JAMB standard, each with a worked explanation, in a real exam-style interface.
Want a full mock? Take a complete Use of English test or explore all CBT practice.
How to study The Lekki Headmaster (problem & solution guide)
Many candidates lose easy novel marks for avoidable reasons. Here are the common problems and how to solve them:
- “I don’t have time to read the whole novel.”
Work through the chapter-by-chapter summary above, focusing on characters, key decisions and themes — then practise questions. JAMB tests understanding of the story, not word-for-word recall. Even a few focused days make a big difference. - “I keep forgetting the characters.”
Learn the four or five that matter most (start with Bepo and Seri), and link each to their role in the plot. Our character list above is a quick revision sheet. - “I mix up the themes.”
Anchor everything to the central japa-versus-patriotism conflict, then add corruption in education and leadership/sacrifice. If you understand Bepo’s dilemma, the themes follow. - “The grammar questions from the novel confuse me.”
Note the grammar points the novel highlights — especially subject–verb agreement with ‘as well as’ (‘Ade, as well as Jide, comes…’ takes the singular verb). Practise these in our sentence structure drills. - “I don’t know how JAMB asks the questions.”
Practise in a real CBT interface under time pressure. Use the free practice above, review every explanation, and re-drill your weak areas.
More practice on the novel (external sources)
For official material on the novel and the Use of English paper, use JAMB’s own resources below. We link to them so you can read them at the source. For practice, use Belmadeng’s free, editorially-verified questions above.
- Official JAMB Use of English syllabus Official JAMB document
- Official JAMB website Official JAMB source
Belmadeng’s own questions above are original and editorially verified. Always confirm the current recommended novel on jamb.gov.ng each cycle.
Keep going
Study the full Use of English syllabus · Practise free CBT · Check your course & cut-off · JAMB guide & registration
Frequently asked questions
What is the JAMB novel for 2027?
The compulsory Use of English reading text for the 2027 UTME is 'The Lekki Headmaster' by Kabir Alabi Garba. Every UTME candidate is expected to study it, regardless of course.
Who wrote The Lekki Headmaster?
It was written by Kabir Alabi Garba, a Nigerian journalist and author whose work often explores leadership, migration and education.
Who is the protagonist of The Lekki Headmaster?
The protagonist is Mr. Bepo Adewale, the principled, long-serving principal of Stardom Schools in Lekki, Lagos, affectionately nicknamed 'The Lekki Headmaster'.
Where is The Lekki Headmaster set?
The novel is set mainly in Lekki, an affluent area of Lagos, Nigeria, largely around Stardom Schools.
What is the main theme of The Lekki Headmaster?
Its dominant theme is migration — the 'japa' syndrome — versus patriotism: Bepo's struggle over whether to relocate abroad or stay and serve. Other key themes are corruption in private education, principled leadership, and sacrifice.
How many chapters does The Lekki Headmaster have?
The novel has twelve chapters, running from 'Dusk' (the opening) to 'Dawn' (the close) — a deliberate movement from difficulty toward hope.
Why does Bepo want to relocate abroad?
Bepo faces pressure to 'japa' to the United Kingdom to join his wife, Seri, a nurse working there, and to seek better opportunities for his family — set against his devotion to his students and country.
How many questions does JAMB set from the novel?
In recent UTME cycles candidates typically answer around 10 questions drawn from the recommended novel within the Use of English paper, so it is well worth preparing thoroughly.
What is the best way to study The Lekki Headmaster for JAMB?
Read or work through a chapter-by-chapter summary, master the main characters, themes and key decisions, note the grammar points the novel highlights (like subject–verb agreement with 'as well as'), and then practise plenty of questions under timed conditions. Use our free CBT practice below.
Are these the actual JAMB past questions on the novel?
Our practice questions are original, editorially verified questions written to the JAMB standard from the novel's well-documented content — not copied past questions. This keeps them accurate and copyright-clean. We also link to third-party question banks, clearly labelled, for extra practice.
Can I download The Lekki Headmaster summary as a PDF?
Many sites offer PDF summaries (linked below, with their sources noted). Our guide gives you the full summary, themes, characters and free interactive practice right here — no download or app needed.
Does the novel replace the previous JAMB novel?
Yes — 'The Lekki Headmaster' is the current recommended text, replacing earlier novels used in previous cycles. Always confirm the current text on JAMB's official channels each cycle.
Sources: JAMB 2027 bulletin (confirming the recommended text) and widely published summaries of the novel; Belmadeng practice questions are original and editorially verified. Last checked: 18 Sept 2027. Belmadeng is not affiliated with JAMB — confirm the current recommended novel on the official portal each cycle.