The Lekki Headmaster is a Nigerian literary text written by Kabir Alabi Garba and prescribed for JAMB Use of English 2026.
The novel explores leadership, discipline, education, and human emotions within the setting of a private secondary school in Lagos.
Through the experiences of the principal, popularly known as The Lekki Headmaster, the text highlights the pressures of school administration, moral responsibility, and personal struggles.
The Lekki Headmaster Summary
The story is set mainly in Stardom Schools, Lekki, and revolves around the principal, a disciplined and respected administrator fondly called The Lekki Headmaster. One morning, during the school assembly, the principal behaves unusually—walking slowly, losing balance, and breaking down in tears. This unexpected behavior shocks both teachers and students.
As the Vice Principal quickly takes control of the situation, teachers are instructed to return to their classes to avoid panic. The incident reveals that the principal is battling deep emotional distress, showing that even strong leaders have moments of vulnerability.
The novel also touches on school policies, especially the reduction of boarding fees, which led to increased student enrollment in the boarding house. Through humor and satire—particularly from the Fine Arts teacher—the Managing Director’s economic decisions are described as both clever and strategic.
Overall, The Lekki Headmaster emphasizes themes of leadership, empathy, responsibility, discipline, and human emotions, making it a relevant and engaging text for students preparing for JAMB.
To prepare better for JAMB Use of English, students are advised to study other recommended texts and practice frequently with past questions. You can also read our detailed guide on JAMB Use of English syllabus and exam structure to understand the areas where questions are usually set.
In addition, learning effective exam strategies can significantly improve your score. See our complete guide on how to score high in JAMB and Post-UTME screening for proven preparation tips.
Frequently Asked Questions (The Lekki Headmaster)
The Lekki Headmaster was written by Kabir Alabi Garba, a Nigerian author.
The novel focuses on leadership, emotional struggles, and school administration through the life of a principal at Stardom Schools, Lekki.
The principal was experiencing deep emotional distress, which caused his unusual behavior during the morning assembly.
Yes. The Lekki Headmaster is one of the recommended texts for JAMB Use of English.
Major themes include leadership, discipline, empathy, responsibility, school administration, and emotional challenges.
Related Guides for JAMB Candidates
- JAMB Use of English Syllabus 2026/2027 – Complete Breakdown
- How to Score High in JAMB and Post-UTME Screening
- Recommended JAMB Literature Texts and Summary Guide




