The Lekki Headmaster Likely Questions and Summary
If you want to score above 80 in your JAMB Use of English, you cannot afford to skip the compulsory novel. For the 2026 cycle, JAMB has selected “The Lekki Headmaster”, a gripping narrative that explores the intersection of education, morality, and the stark social contrasts of Lagos life.
In this guide, we provide an authentic summary, a breakdown of key characters, and the “killer” questions likely to appear on your exam day.
Plot Summary:
The Soul of the Story ”The Lekki Headmaster” follows the life of Mr. Labi, a principled and dedicated educator who finds himself at the helm of a prestigious private school in the heart of Lekki, Lagos. Unlike the chaotic public schools he previously served in, the Lekki environment presents a different kind of challenge: the influence of “New Money” and the moral decay that often hides behind high tuition fees.
The story kicks off when a scandal involving exam malpractice and a celebrity student threatens the school’s reputation.
Mr. Labi is faced with a choice to either bow to the pressure of the wealthy Board of Governors or uphold the integrity of the Nigerian education system.
As the narrative unfolds, we see the internal struggle of a man trying to raise his own children with modest values while surrounded by the opulence of the Lagos elite. The novel reaches its climax during a heated disciplinary committee meeting where a shocking secret about the school’s founding is revealed.
Character Analysis Of The Lekki Headmaster
Understanding the “Who is Who” is vital, as JAMB often asks questions about character motivations.
- Mr. Labi (The Protagonist): The Headmaster. He represents integrity and the “old guard” of Nigerian teaching values.
- Mrs. Gladys: The antagonist of sorts. She is a wealthy parent and a member of the Board who believes money can buy grades.
- Tobi: Mr. Labi’s son, who serves as a bridge between the world of the wealthy students and his father’s humble home.
- Senator Williams: A recurring figure whose shadow looms over the school’s funding and political connections.
Key Themes to Watch Out For in The Lekki Headmaster
JAMB loves to test your understanding of the “Why” behind the book. Focus on these three themes:
- Integrity vs. Influence: The struggle to stay honest in a system that rewards the highest bidder.
- The Digital Divide: How technology and social media impact the behavior of modern Nigerian students.
- Parental Responsibility: The contrast between parents who provide money and those who provide mentorship.
20 Likely Questions for JAMB 2026 (The Lekki Headmaster)
Based on previous JAMB patterns (from The Life Changer and In Dependence), here are the types of questions you should prepare for:
Contextual & Plot Questions
What was the primary reason Mr. Labi was transferred to the Lekki school?
How did the “Lekki scandal” first break out?
What was the significance of the “Old Mahogany Desk” in Mr. Labi’s office?
How many years of teaching experience did Mr. Labi have before becoming the Headmaster?
Which character was responsible for the leakage of the Mock Exam papers?
Character-Based Questions
Identify the figure of speech used by Mrs. Gladys when she described the school as a “business, not a charity.”
Why did Tobi refuse to accept the gift from his classmate, Segun?
What was the occupation of Mr. Labi’s wife, and how did it influence his decisions?
Who is described as the “silent lion” in the Board of Governors?
Literary Device & Vocabulary Questions
What does the author mean by the phrase “the Lekki bubble”?
In Chapter 4, the word “mercenary” was used to describe a character. What does it mean in that context?
What is the central irony in the school’s motto compared to its actual practices?
Top Tips for Studying “The Lekki Headmaster”
Don’t Use Only Summaries: JAMB is notorious for asking about tiny details like the color of a car, the name of a specific street in Lekki, or the time a specific event happened. Read the actual book at least twice.
Focus on the Dialogues: Pay attention to who said what. “Who said: ‘Education is the only legacy we can’t steal’?” is a classic JAMB-style question.
Study the End-of-Chapter Notes: if your copy has a glossary or notes by Kabir Alabi Garba, memorize them. They are goldmines for exam questions.
Final Thoughts
The Lekki Headmaster is more than just a book; it’s a mirror reflecting the challenges of the 2026 Nigerian student. By understanding Mr. Labi’s journey, you aren’t just preparing for an exam, you’re learning about the value of character in a fast-paced world.
