Lekki Headmaster JAMB Questions and Answers 2027/2028: Complete Study Guide for UTME
The Lekki Headmaster by Kabir Alabi Garba is the general reading text prescribed by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) for the 2027 UTME. JAMB’s 2027 registration information states that candidates will be tested on the text regardless of the programme they choose.
The novel tells the story of Mr. Bepo Adewale, the principal of Stardom Schools in Lekki, Lagos, and uses his professional and personal experiences to explore issues such as migration, leadership, education, family, work, integrity and the pressure to seek opportunities abroad.
This guide provides a simple summary of the novel, important characters, major themes, key events and practice questions to help you prepare for the JAMB Use of English examination.
Important: Use this summary as a revision aid, not as a replacement for reading the original novel. JAMB can test small details that may not appear in a summary.
What Is The Lekki Headmaster About?
The story centres on Mr. Bepo Adewale, popularly known as Bepo, a respected principal of Stardom Schools in Lekki, Lagos.
Bepo has devoted many years to the school and is regarded as a disciplined and committed educationist. However, he eventually faces an important personal decision involving his family, career and the possibility of relocating abroad.
The novel uses Bepo’s situation to examine the growing desire among Nigerians, particularly professionals and young people, to leave the country in search of better opportunities.
The story therefore goes beyond the school environment. It examines the effect of migration on families, workplaces and Nigerian society.
Who Is the Protagonist of The Lekki Headmaster?
The protagonist is Mr. Bepo Adewale.
A protagonist is the central character around whom the major events of a story revolve.
Bepo is presented as an experienced school principal who takes his responsibilities seriously. His professional values and personal struggles help drive the development of the story.
Simple Summary of The Lekki Headmaster
The novel is set mainly around Stardom Schools in Lekki, Lagos.
Bepo Adewale has spent many years serving as the principal of the school. He is respected for his commitment to education and his concern for the students and staff.
However, his personal circumstances begin to change. His wife and family circumstances are connected to life outside Nigeria, and Bepo is confronted with the possibility of leaving the country.
This creates an important conflict: should he remain committed to the school and his responsibilities in Nigeria, or should he pursue the opportunities associated with relocating abroad?
The story also presents the experiences of other teachers and workers who are attracted to the idea of travelling abroad. Through these characters, the author examines the “japa” phenomenon, brain drain and the consequences of losing skilled professionals.
At the same time, the school environment provides room for discussions about leadership, staff welfare, management, discipline and the purpose of education.
The novel ultimately asks readers to think about the relationship between personal ambition, family responsibility, professional commitment and national development.
Major Characters in The Lekki Headmaster
1. Mr. Bepo Adewale
Bepo is the protagonist and principal of Stardom Schools.
He is an experienced educationist who takes his work seriously. His character is important because much of the novel’s conflict revolves around his professional responsibilities and personal decision about migration.
Important qualities of Bepo
- Dedicated
- Experienced
- Principled
- Responsible
- Concerned about education
- Emotionally affected by personal and professional pressures
Why Bepo is important
Bepo represents the dilemma faced by many Nigerians who must choose between remaining in the country and pursuing better opportunities abroad.
2. Mrs. Ibidun Gloss
Mrs. Ibidun Gloss is an important member of the school’s management.
Her relationship with Bepo helps reveal the tension that can exist between school administration, management expectations and educational values.
She is therefore important when studying the novel’s themes of leadership, management and education.
3. Mrs. Grace Apeh
Mrs. Grace Apeh is associated with the administration of Stardom Schools and plays an important role in the events surrounding Bepo’s position at the school.
Her character helps readers understand the school’s administrative structure and the human effect of Bepo’s decision.
4. Mr. Fafore
Mr. Fafore is one of the teachers associated with the school.
His experience contributes to the novel’s discussion of teachers, employment conditions and the pressures within the Nigerian education system.
5. Mr. Okon
Mr. Okon is associated with the staff cooperative society.
The cooperative-related events contribute to the novel’s broader discussion of staff welfare, money, trust and workplace relationships.
Quick Character Review
| Character | Role/Importance |
|---|---|
| Bepo Adewale | Protagonist and principal of Stardom Schools |
| Mrs. Ibidun Gloss | Important member of school management |
| Mrs. Grace Apeh | School administrator/vice principal |
| Mr. Fafore | Teacher at Stardom Schools |
| Mr. Okon | Associated with the staff cooperative |
Major Themes in The Lekki Headmaster
1. Japa and Migration
One of the most important ideas in the novel is the desire to leave Nigeria for better opportunities abroad.
The Nigerian expression “japa” refers to emigrating, particularly in search of better economic, professional or living conditions.
The novel shows how this trend affects:
- Teachers
- Families
- Schools
- Employers
- Nigerian society
The author uses migration to raise questions about why skilled Nigerians leave and what happens to the institutions they leave behind.
2. Brain Drain
Brain drain refers to the loss of educated or skilled professionals when they leave their country to work elsewhere.
The departure of professionals can create shortages in important sectors such as education and healthcare.
In the novel, the migration of teachers illustrates how the japa phenomenon can affect the stability of an institution.
3. Leadership
Bepo’s position as a school principal makes leadership an important theme.
The novel examines the responsibilities of a leader and the difficult decisions leaders sometimes have to make.
Good leadership requires more than occupying a position. It also involves responsibility, judgment, communication and concern for others.
4. Education
Education is central to the novel because the main character works as a school principal.
The author presents education as more than a commercial activity. It is also connected with character development, social responsibility and the future of young people.
5. Family Responsibility
Bepo’s personal circumstances demonstrate how career decisions can affect family relationships.
The novel therefore explores the difficult choices people make when professional opportunities and family responsibilities pull them in different directions.
6. Work and Professional Commitment
Bepo’s long service at Stardom Schools raises questions about loyalty and professional commitment.
The story encourages readers to consider the value of dedication while also acknowledging the legitimate desire for better opportunities.
7. Trust and Human Relationships
The interactions between staff, management, family members and other characters reveal the importance of trust.
Misunderstanding and competing interests can create tension in workplaces and personal relationships.
Important Events to Remember
When revising The Lekki Headmaster, pay attention to the following areas:
- Bepo’s position at Stardom Schools.
- His long service as a school principal.
- His family situation.
- The pressure associated with relocating abroad.
- The experiences of other Nigerians who want to travel.
- The effect of migration on teachers and institutions.
- The relationship between Bepo and school management.
- Events involving staff and the cooperative society.
- Bepo’s emotional and professional struggles.
- The novel’s wider message about migration and national development.
Rather than memorising isolated facts, try to understand why each event happens and how it contributes to the themes of the novel.
50 Practice JAMB Questions and Answers on The Lekki Headmaster
The following are revision questions created from the major characters, events, themes and ideas in the novel. They are not leaked or guaranteed JAMB questions.
1. Who is the protagonist of The Lekki Headmaster?
A. Mr. Okon
B. Bepo Adewale
C. Mr. Fafore
D. Chief David Aje
Answer: B
2. What is Bepo’s occupation?
A. Doctor
B. Lawyer
C. School principal
D. Banker
Answer: C
3. Stardom Schools is located in
A. Kano
B. Abuja
C. Lekki, Lagos
D. Ibadan
Answer: C
4. What does “japa” generally refer to?
A. Starting a business
B. Travelling or emigrating abroad
C. Joining a political party
D. Changing schools
Answer: B
5. Which issue is strongly explored through the desire of Nigerians to relocate abroad?
A. Agriculture
B. Migration
C. Sports
D. Traditional religion
Answer: B
6. Bepo is mainly associated with
A. Stardom Schools
B. A government ministry
C. A hospital
D. A university
Answer: A
7. Bepo’s professional role makes which theme particularly important?
A. Leadership
B. Warfare
C. Farming
D. Tourism
Answer: A
8. Brain drain refers to
A. Poor academic performance
B. Loss of skilled professionals through migration
C. Lack of school buildings
D. Student absenteeism
Answer: B
9. Which character serves as the central figure in the story?
A. Mrs. Gloss
B. Mr. Fafore
C. Bepo Adewale
D. Mr. Okon
Answer: C
10. The setting of much of the story is
A. Lekki, Lagos
B. Enugu
C. Kaduna
D. Benin City
Answer: A
11. Bepo’s situation illustrates a conflict between
A. Personal aspirations and professional responsibility
B. Farming and fishing
C. Students and examination bodies
D. Politics and religion
Answer: A
12. The novel uses the school environment to examine
A. Social and national issues
B. Military warfare
C. Oil exploration
D. International sports
Answer: A
13. Bepo can best be described as
A. A school principal
B. A politician
C. A banker
D. A journalist
Answer: A
A. Migration
B. Mining
C. Football
D. Fishing
Answer: A
15. The migration of professionals can lead to
A. Brain drain
B. Greater staff availability
C. Reduced population everywhere
D. Automatic economic growth
Answer: A
16. What does the school represent in the novel?
A. An environment where educational and social issues are examined
B. A military camp
C. A political party
D. A marketplace
Answer: A
17. Bepo’s decision about migration affects his
A. Career and family life
B. Football career
C. Political ambition
D. Farming business
Answer: A
18. Which of the following is a major concern associated with “japa”?
A. Loss of skilled workers
B. Increased farming
C. More school buildings
D. More examinations
Answer: A
19. The novel is mainly set in
A. Contemporary Nigeria
B. Ancient Egypt
C. Colonial Ghana
D. Medieval Europe
Answer: A
20. Bepo’s position gives him responsibility for
A. School administration
B. National elections
C. Hospital management
D. Airport security
Answer: A
21. Which of these is NOT a major theme of the novel?
A. Migration
B. Leadership
C. Education
D. Space exploration
Answer: D
22. The novel’s discussion of migration reflects
A. A contemporary Nigerian social issue
B. An ancient African tradition
C. A sporting event
D. A religious ceremony
Answer: A
23. A protagonist is
A. The main character
B. The villain only
C. A minor character
D. The setting
Answer: A
24. An antagonist is generally
A. A character or force opposing the protagonist
B. The narrator
C. The setting
D. The title
Answer: A
25. The theme of a literary work refers to its
A. Main idea or underlying concern
B. Number of pages
C. Publisher
D. Chapter number
Answer: A
26. The setting refers to
A. The time and place of a story
B. The main character only
C. The moral lesson only
D. The author’s biography
Answer: A
27. Bepo’s profession places him directly in the
A. Education sector
B. Banking sector
C. Medical sector
D. Aviation sector
Answer: A
28. The desire to relocate abroad is connected to
A. Migration
B. Agriculture
C. Industrialisation
D. Tourism
Answer: A
29. Brain drain can negatively affect
A. Institutions that lose skilled workers
B. Only sports clubs
C. Only markets
D. Only transport companies
Answer: A
30. One important lesson from Bepo’s story is that
A. Career decisions can involve difficult personal choices
B. Education has no value
C. Migration affects nobody
D. Leadership requires no sacrifice
Answer: A
A. Education and society
B. Space travel
C. Oceanography
D. Military tactics
Answer: A
32. Bepo’s major personal dilemma concerns
A. Whether to remain in Nigeria or relocate
B. Whether to become a footballer
C. Whether to enter politics
D. Whether to become a doctor
Answer: A
33. The novel presents migration as
A. A complex personal and social issue
B. A purely humorous activity
C. A sporting competition
D. A school examination
Answer: A
34. Which institution is central to Bepo’s professional life?
A. Stardom Schools
B. University of Lagos
C. A government ministry
D. A hospital
Answer: A
35. Which character is the central school administrator in the story?
A. Bepo Adewale
B. Mr. Okon
C. Mr. Fafore
D. Tunde
Answer: A
36. The novel’s title refers primarily to
A. Bepo’s role as head of a school in Lekki
B. A government minister
C. A traditional ruler
D. A business executive
Answer: A
37. The word “headmaster” is connected with
A. School leadership
B. Banking
C. Medicine
D. Aviation
Answer: A
38. The novel examines the relationship between
A. Individual choices and wider social problems
B. Sports and politics
C. Farming and fishing
D. Tourism and aviation
Answer: A
39. One consequence of professionals leaving Nigeria is
A. Reduced availability of skilled workers
B. Automatic improvement in institutions
C. Elimination of unemployment
D. Increased school attendance
Answer: A
40. Bepo’s character helps the reader understand
A. The challenges of leadership and professional commitment
B. The operation of an airport
C. Military strategy
D. Agricultural production
Answer: A
41. The novel’s treatment of “japa” is connected to
A. The search for better opportunities
B. Examination malpractice
C. Sports competition
D. Traditional festivals
Answer: A
42. A literary theme is best described as
A. An important idea explored in a work
B. The name of a character
C. The physical location only
D. The author’s address
Answer: A
43. Bepo’s story demonstrates that leadership can involve
A. Difficult decisions and pressure
B. No responsibility
C. Only financial rewards
D. Entertainment
Answer: A
44. The school in the novel is
A. Private
B. Military
C. Federal
D. Religious university
Answer: A
45. The novel is particularly relevant to discussions about
A. Nigeria’s migration trend
B. Ancient warfare
C. Space exploration
D. Marine biology
Answer: A
46. Which of the following best describes brain drain?
A. Skilled people leaving a country
B. Students changing classrooms
C. Teachers changing subjects
D. Schools changing locations
Answer: A
47. Bepo’s professional identity is closely connected with
A. Education
B. Medicine
C. Banking
D. Journalism
Answer: A
48. The novel encourages readers to think about
A. The consequences of personal and national choices
B. Only examination scores
C. Only school uniforms
D. Only sports
Answer: A
49. The central character’s experiences make the novel
A. Both personal and socially relevant
B. Entirely about sports
C. Entirely about politics
D. A historical war narrative
Answer: A
50. The best way to prepare for questions on the novel is to
A. Read the novel and understand its characters, events and themes
B. Memorise only the title
C. Study only the author’s name
D. Ignore the original text
Answer: A
10 Practice Theory Questions and Answers
1. Discuss Bepo Adewale as the protagonist of The Lekki Headmaster.
Answer:
Bepo Adewale is the central character of the novel and the principal of Stardom Schools in Lekki. He is an experienced educationist whose professional responsibilities are closely connected with his personal life. His struggle over whether to remain in Nigeria or relocate abroad provides an important part of the novel’s conflict. Through Bepo, the author examines leadership, commitment, family responsibility and the pressures associated with migration.
2. Discuss the theme of migration in the novel.
Answer:
Migration is one of the major themes of The Lekki Headmaster. The novel explores the desire among Nigerians to relocate abroad in search of better opportunities. The author also shows that migration does not affect only the person travelling; it can affect families, workplaces and institutions. The experiences of professionals and teachers therefore help illustrate the wider problem of brain drain.
3. What is the significance of “japa” in the novel?
Answer:
“Japa” represents the desire to leave Nigeria for another country, usually because of the search for better economic, professional or living conditions. In the novel, it is connected to the decisions faced by Bepo and other characters. It also allows the author to examine the causes and consequences of migration.
4. Discuss Bepo’s role as a school principal.
Answer:
Bepo is responsible for the administration and leadership of Stardom Schools. His position places him at the centre of many professional and personal challenges. His experience demonstrates that school leadership involves responsibility, difficult decisions and concern for both staff and students.
5. How does the novel portray brain drain?
Answer:
The novel portrays brain drain through the movement or planned movement of skilled Nigerians abroad. When professionals leave, the institutions they work for may lose valuable experience and manpower. The author uses this situation to encourage readers to think about the effect of migration on Nigerian institutions.
6. Explain the importance of family in the novel.
Answer:
Family is important because Bepo’s professional choices cannot be separated from his responsibilities to his family. His situation demonstrates how migration decisions can involve emotional, financial and personal considerations.
7. What does Stardom Schools represent in the novel?
Answer:
Stardom Schools provides the main professional environment for Bepo and allows the author to examine education, leadership, staff relationships and management. The school can also be viewed as a smaller representation of wider Nigerian society.
8. Discuss the theme of leadership.
Answer:
Leadership is presented through Bepo’s responsibilities as principal. His experiences show that leadership requires judgment, responsibility and the ability to deal with difficult circumstances. The novel also demonstrates that leaders can face conflicts between personal interests, institutional expectations and the welfare of others.
9. What lessons can readers learn from Bepo’s experience?
Answer:
Readers can learn about the importance of responsibility, commitment and thoughtful decision-making. Bepo’s experience also encourages readers to consider the wider consequences of personal decisions, particularly decisions involving migration and career opportunities.
10. Why is The Lekki Headmaster relevant to Nigerian students?
Answer:
The novel addresses issues that Nigerian students can recognise in contemporary society, including education, employment, migration and the desire for better opportunities. It encourages young people to think critically about their responsibilities to themselves, their families and society.
How to Prepare for JAMB Questions on The Lekki Headmaster
Reading a summary is useful, but it should not be your only preparation.
1. Read the original text
JAMB can test details that a summary may leave out. Read the actual book carefully.
2. Know the characters
Create a simple list containing each major character and their role.
3. Understand the themes
Do not merely memorise the word “migration.” Understand how migration affects Bepo, his family, teachers and the wider society represented in the novel.
4. Follow the plot in order
Try to remember what happens at the beginning, middle and end of the story.
5. Pay attention to details
Names, relationships, places, events and expressions can all be useful when answering objective questions.
6. Practise without looking at the answers
Cover the answers and attempt the questions yourself. Afterwards, check your mistakes and return to the relevant part of the novel.
7. Do not rely on “expo” or leaked questions
No website can legitimately guarantee the questions JAMB will set. The safest preparation is to understand the prescribed text and practise questions based on it.
Is The Lekki Headmaster for Literature in English?
No. For the 2027 UTME, The Lekki Headmaster is the general reading text for the Use of English examination.
JAMB’s 2027 registration document specifically states that candidates will be tested on the text irrespective of their chosen programme.
This means that candidates studying courses such as Medicine, Engineering, Education, Accounting, Law or Computer Science should still prepare the novel if they are sitting for the 2027 UTME.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the JAMB novel for 2027?
The 2027 JAMB general reading text is The Lekki Headmaster by Kabir Alabi Garba. JAMB’s 2027 registration information confirms that all candidates are expected to read the text.
Who wrote The Lekki Headmaster?
The novel was written by Kabir Alabi Garba.
Who is the protagonist?
The protagonist is Bepo Adewale, the principal of Stardom Schools.
Where is the novel mainly set?
Much of the story takes place at Stardom Schools in Lekki, Lagos.
What is “japa”?
In the context of the novel, “japa” refers to leaving Nigeria, particularly in search of better opportunities abroad.
What is the major theme of the novel?
Migration and the pressure to seek opportunities abroad are among the major concerns of the novel. The story also examines leadership, education, family responsibility and professional commitment.
Should I study only the summary?
No. A summary is useful for revision, but you should read the original text because objective questions can be based on details that are missing from summaries.
Conclusion
The Lekki Headmaster by Kabir Alabi Garba is an important part of the 2027/2028 JAMB UTME Use of English preparation. JAMB’s official registration information makes it clear that candidates will be tested on the general text regardless of their chosen course.
The best way to prepare is not simply to memorise answers. Understand Bepo Adewale’s character, the school environment, the migration storyline, the major conflicts and the author’s wider message.
Pay particular attention to the theme of japa and brain drain, because the novel uses the experiences of its characters to explore a major issue in contemporary Nigerian society.
Finally, use practice questions to test your understanding, but always return to the original novel when you get an answer wrong or encounter a detail you do not understand.
With careful reading, consistent revision and regular practice, you can approach the The Lekki Headmaster section of JAMB Use of English with much greater confidence.
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