Lekki Headmaster Summary, Characters, Themes and Likely JAMB Questions (Complete Study Guide)
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About the Novel
and the corrosion of educational ideals.
Lekki Headmaster Summary
Lekki Headmaster is a school story set in Lekki, a wealthy area in Lagos. The novel focuses on a disciplined and principled man who becomes the headmaster of a private school attended mostly by children from rich families.
When the headmaster resumes duty, he brings with him, strong value. He believes that:
- Rules must be obeyed.
- Students must be corrected when they misbehave.
- Teachers must act professionally.
- Education is about character, not just certificates.
Initially, everything seems normal. But soon, problems begin.
Many parents in the school are very wealthy and influential. Because they pay high school fees, they believe they deserve special treatment. When their children break rules and are punished, these parents become angry. Some complain. Some even threaten to withdraw their children. Some try to pressure the school management.
The headmaster however refuses to bend the rules. He insists that discipline must apply to everyone equally. This creates tension between him and some parents. It also creates pressure from the school owner (the proprietor), who worries more about keeping parents happy than about strict discipline.
As events unfold, the headmaster faces emotional and professional challenges. He must decide whether to:
Stand firm and risk losing his job,
Or relax his principles to please powerful parents.
Through different incidents involving students, parents and staff members, the novel reveals how difficult it is to maintain integrity in a system controlled by money and influence.
The story ends by emphasizing the importance of strong leadership and moral courage, even in uncomfortable situations.
Lekki Headmaster Characters
- The Headmaster:
He is the main character and moral center of the story. He represents integrity. He believes education should shape behavior and build character. He refuses to treat wealthy students differently.
The entire conflict of the novel revolves around him. His struggle shows how difficult it is to uphold standards in a society where money often controls decisions.
2. The Proprietor (School Owner):
The proprietor owns the school. He wants the school to succeed financially. Because parents pay large fees, he fears losing them. Sometimes he pressures the headmaster to “manage” issues quietly instead of enforcing strict discipline.
He represents the commercial side of education — where profit sometimes competes with principle.
3. Mrs. Ibidunni:
She is one of the wealthy parents. She reacts strongly when her child is disciplined. She believes her child should not be embarrassed or punished publicly.
She represents parental entitlement — the belief that money gives power over school rules.
4. Mr. Folarin:
Another influential pparent. Unlike Mrs. Ibidunni, he does not shout. Instead, he uses quiet influence to protect his child’s interests.
He represents subtle power — influence that works behind the scenes.
5. Kunle (Student):
Kunle is one of the students from a wealthy home. He challenges school authority because he believes his parents will defend him.
He shows how children can become spoiled when discipline is weak at home.
6. Teni (Student):
Teni is another student in the school. She behaves responsibly despite coming from a wealthy family.
She proves that wealth does not automatically lead to bad behavior. Good upbringing still matters.
Major Themes of the Story
1. Discipline:
The novel strongly emphasizes the importance of discipline in education. Without discipline, it is difficult for schools to function properly. The headmaster believes discipline builds character, while some parents see it as unnecessary harshness.
2. Integrity and Moral Courage:
The headmaster stands for what is right even when it is difficult. The story shows that doing the right thing may bring opposition, but it is still necessary.
3. Wealth and Power:
Money influences decisions in the school. Some parents think paying high fees gives them control. The novel questions this belief.
4. Commercialization of Education:
The school is also portray as a business ground. The proprietor worries about income and reputation. This creates tension between financial success and moral standards.
5. Parenting and Upbringing:
The story reveals that children’s behavior often reflects their parents’ values. Good parenting produces disciplined children; poor parenting encourages entitlement.
In the final analysis, Lekki Headmaster reminds readers that standing for what is right is never easy — especially in a society where wealth and influence try to change the rules.
Overall Message of the Novel
The novel teaches that:
- Leadership requires courage.
- Discipline is necessary for growth.
- Money should not control moral decisions.
- Education must focus on character, not just academic success.
Likely JAMB Questions and Answers on Lekki Headmaster
Below are possible objective (multiple-choice) questions you may see in JAMB, with correct answers provided.
OBJECTIVE QUESTIONS (Multiple Choice)
1. The main setting of Lekki Headmaster is
A. A village primary school
B. A government secondary school
C. A private school in a wealthy area
D. A university in Abuja
Answer: C
2. The Headmaster is best described as
A. Careless and weak
B. Strict and principled
C. Corrupt and greedy
D. Fearful and confused
Answer: B
3. The major conflict in the novel is between
A. Students and teachers
B. Parents and students
C. Discipline and parental influence
D. Government and the school
Answer: C
4. The Proprietor is mainly concerned about
A. Student happiness only
B. School profit and reputation
C. Teacher promotion
D. Government policies
Answer: B
5. Mrs. Ibidunni represents
A. Good parenting
B. Poverty in society
C. Parental entitlement
D. Academic excellence
Answer: C
6. Kunle’s behavior shows that
A. Wealth always brings wisdom
B. Discipline is unnecessary
C. Some children misuse privilege
D. Teachers are always wrong
Answer: C
7. One major theme of the novel is
A. War and conflict
B. Love and marriage
C. Integrity versus compromise
D. Tribalism
Answer: C
8. The Headmaster refuses to bend rules because he believes
A. Parents are always wrong
B. Discipline builds character
C. Students should fear teachers
D. Money is evil
Answer: B
9. The novel suggests that education should focus more on
A. Money and status
B. Fame and popularity
C. Character and values
D. Competition
Answer: C
10. The setting “Lekki” symbolises
A. Rural struggle
B. Wealth and social class
C. Political power
D. Cultural tradition
Answer: B
11. The Headmaster’s greatest strength in the novel is his
A. Wealth
B. Popularity
C. Integrity
D. Political connection
Answer: C
12. The conflict between the Headmaster and some parents mainly arises because
A. The school fees are too high
B. Students are failing examinations
C. The Headmaster enforces strict discipline
D. Teachers are unqualified
Answer: C
13. The Proprietor sometimes disagrees with the Headmaster because he
A. Hates discipline
B. Fears losing wealthy parents
C. Wants to close the school
D. Is jealous of him
Answer: B
14. The school in the novel can best be described as a
A. Religious institution
B. Military academy
C. Business-oriented private school
D. Government charity school
Answer: C
15. The author uses the school as a symbol of
A. The entire Nigerian society
B. A foreign country
C. Traditional village life
D. Political revolution
Answer: A
16. Which of the following best describes the behavior of some wealthy parents in the novel?
A. Humble and supportive
B. Indifferent and silent
C. Entitled and controlling
D. Poor and struggling
Answer: C
17. The novel teaches that good leadership requires
A. Fear and intimidation
B. Wealth and influence
C. Courage and fairness
D. Popularity and praise
Answer: C
18. A major lesson from the novel is that
A. Education is only about passing exams
B. Money should determine authority
C. Character is more important than status
D. Discipline should be avoided
Answer: C
19. Students like Kunle show that
A. All rich children are bad
B. Lack of discipline can lead to arrogance
C. Teachers are unfair
D. Wealth brings wisdom
Answer: B
20. The tone of the novel can best be described as
A. Romantic
B. Tragic
C. Satirical and critical
D. Mythical
Answer: C
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Who is the main character in Lekki Headmaster? The Headmaster is the main character and represents integrity and discipline.
- What is the major theme of Lekki Headmaster? The major theme is integrity versus compromise.W
- Where is Lekki Headmaster set? The novel is set in a private school in Lekki, Lagos.
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