Here is a detailed analysis of JAMB's new reading text for Use of English, The Lekki Headmaster. In this article, we shall be discussing Kabir Alabi Garba's novel, The Lekki Headmaster, under the following headings:
1. Author's Biography
2. Plot Summary
3. Chapter-by-Chapter Summary
4. Literary Analysis
5. Setting
6. Point of View
7. Other Literary Devices
8. Character Analysis (Minor and Major)
9. Themes
10. Likely Questions and Answers
When we talk about setting, we are looking at the place and time where and when the events in the novel took place.
Place: Lekki, Lagos, Nigeria.
Time: 2022 (two years after the pandemic)
There are also references to other places in Lagos and Nigeria at large. The Stardom Schools’ excursions give us a view of the physical, psychological and cultural beauty of the country in spite of the corrupt sociopolitical system.
BACKGROUND OF THE LEKKI HEADMASTER
After the COVID-19 pandemic came a period when traveling abroad in order to escape the country's harsh socio-economic realities was the order of the day. Most Nigerian professionals and artisans will do anything to raise money for this. Some had even travelled in the name of studies. It is so bad that anyone who manages to get Visa is celebrated, especially when he is going for some clean and well-meaning jobs.
Considering the load of opportunities open for its people, the renumeration, dollar exchange rate against naira, Nigerians don't mind staying all their lives abroad as long as they can survive there and have enough to send back home for savings, projects and some unforeseen occurrences. Thus, when one gets the chance, he will not mind what he or she is doing here in Nigeria. Garba's The Lekki Headmaster is set on this backdrop.
SUMMARY OF THE LEKKI HEADMASTER
Predominantly set in Lekki, Lagos, Nigeria, against the backdrop of the japa philosophy that trends after the pandemic, the narrative centers around Bepo, the Lekki headmaster. Having worked with Stardom Schools in all honesty for 24 years, he gets a job opportunity to travel abroad and to be with his wife and two beautiful angels.
Relocating to the UK seems the best option after much consideration and public opinion. The 44-year-old English and History Education graduate is caught in a dilemma: to travel overseas for the good life or to remain in Nigeria with Stardom Schools, his beloved students, dramatic parents of Stardom Schools, compassionate colleagues, understanding landlord and, above all, his big dream and retirement plan in Nigeria at 55. A beautiful collage of mix memories plays in Adebepo's mind.
All arrangements to travel are set. He gets a mind-blowing send-forth, a take home package of over $10,000 from his school, a red-carpet escort to the airport by colleagues and landlord, etc. But on flight, a scary dream about himself becoming a slave to the white man wakes him up from his nap.
Bepo decides against his traveling plan and opt for Nigeria, his students, his dream, his future in Nigeria. At the school assembly when Bepo's absent is beginning to be felt, the energetic Lekki headmaster appears saying: “I am back...! I am here! My heart is here...!”
Shoulder high, his students lift him, singing a victory song; a symbolic representation of upholding patriotism, commitment towards nation building over personal gains.
CHAPTER BY CHAPTER SUMMARY OF THE LEKKI HEADMASTER
CHAPTER ONE: DUSK
The narrative begins with the usual morning assembly at Stardom Schools. Ikenna, an SS1 science student, had just delivered his speech about their Jos excursion experience. When it's time for the principal, Bepo, aka Lekki Headmaster, to give a finishing touch to Ikenna's speech, he grabs the mic, and starts crying. Everyone is worried about the ever vibrant teacher's display. He is led off by some teachers. All efforts by Nurse, Counselor, VP, MD and other teachers to get Bepo to say the reason for his grief prove abortive. Though it's suspected that it has something to do with his wife who they found now lives in London.
CHAPTER TWO: THE ENTICEMENT
Here we find the reason for Bepo's mood swing as he opens up. He's set to relocate to the UK to join his wife and two children who have been with their mom. Most of his colleagues, especially Audu, think it's a good idea considering the comfort and salary difference. The headmaster is so passionate about his students in Stardom Schools and would love to see them grow academically. He weighs his options, considers his dream after retirement at 55, etc. The 44-year-old English/History of Education graduate is set to renew his teaching career abroad knowing that “life, anywhere, is not a bed of roses, and every place harbors its own challenge"(13).
CHAPTER THERE: MIGRATION TALES
Having made up his mind to travel, Bepo decides to learn from some migration tales. He realizes traveling abroad is a better idea in terms of opportunities, renumeration, etc. He believes the weekly, daily or hourly pay will open one to more choices and pay compared to the Nigerian monthly pattern. He understands better why most Nigerians, especially professionals and artisans, travel to the UK, why they're needed and highly paid. He also understands better why some Nigerians go as far as selling their belongings, taking loans or even steal to raise money to travel abroad.
Bepo recalls the case of Mr. Nku who took N2 million loan from the school's cooperative and disappeared. Another case of one of the school's drivers who had attempted to steal the bus in his custody to sell and send his son to college abroad.
Most of what the Lekki headmaster knows about the diaspora he learned from an old-time friend, Sola, a one-time Home Economics teacher at Stardom Schools. Bepo thanks Sola for giving him a fresh perspective about life and living abroad.
CHAPTER FOUR: A CASE OF VISA DENIED
Mrs. Ignatius, a parent at Stardom Schools, calls Bepo at 11:55 p.m. to inform the latter about a serious issue with her husband, Mr. Ibe Ignatius. Her husband had left the house angrily after a DNA test shows that he's not the father of their daughter, Favour (one out of three children). This has resulted in the Ignatius' visa denial. The fact that she calls to discuss family matter at such ungodly hour, the impetus and impunity parents have when dealing with schools strike the principal. He remembers a funny case of how a teacher, Mr. Ayesoro. was transferred to Stardom Hub, the property wing of Stardom Group of Companies; a student, Bibi had complained to his parents that he keeps seeing the scary tribal marked teacher in his dreams. Next thing, the child's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Ladele, launch a complaint, and Mr. Ayesoro was transferred just like that.
CHAPTER FIVE: SNAKE IN THE ROOF:
The MD pays a visit to the school's newly acquired two plots of land and finds 17 cars belonging to the teachers, parked. She's surprised at the numbers of expensive vehicles teachers have acquired considering their small salaries. She suspects they've been stealing from the school or involved in some dirty deals. MD summons Bepo, accountant and others. She learns the teachers had got loans from the school cooperative. MD, after investigations and calculations, realizes that the cooperative had N90 million in its purse and had loaned out N50million naira. She fears money issued out is too much as teachers can decide to collectively build and own a school with such huge amount. The MD, Mrs. Ibidun Gloss, concludes that the money loaned to each teacher, from henceforth, should be cut down to N250,000 yearly if the need be.
CHAPTER SIX: ADE AS WELL AS JIDE COMES VS COME
It is Open Day, and Mr. Bepo recalls some Open Day experiences. He remembers how a parent, Me Guta's complaint about the English teacher, Mr. Fafore, had almost cost the latter his job. The teacher was summoned by the Managing Director. But before he meets with her, Bepo had tried to find out from him if he had flouted any of the school's rules to warrant the MD wanting to sack him. In fact, Bepo, prompted by the MD, had already drafted Fafore's sack letter. Bepo hates it when one is laid off considering the harsh economic realities of the country (30).
Fafore is fired. While his colleagues console him, trying to find out the reason for his sack (Fafore obviously isn't aware too), the MD shows up. She's so angry that an English teacher can make a stupid grammatical blunder, thereby disgracing her reputable school. She shows Bepo Mr. Guta's child's English note where the English teacher had written "Ade as well as Jude comes..." instead of "Ade, as well as Jude come..." as the MD and Mr. Guta had expected. Bepo speaks on behalf of Fafore. He explains how the statement is grammatically very correct. The sack letter was retrieved; they laughed at their follies and possibly inform Mr. Guta about it.
CHAPTER SEVEN: RITUALISTS
Here, the writer flashes back to two major experiences that had shaped Bepo's life. At Beesway Group of School, Bepo keeps correcting every grammar blunder including that of the director until the director had to warn him about it. Mr. Egi Meko, having described this as madness, had pointed out that the name Beesway Group of School can't be changed to Beesway Group of Schools as Bepo had corrected because it's been registered that way by CAC and the Ministry of Education. He added that the name was even divinely orchestrated. Bepo had also corrected some of director's choice of words like when he said "off head" instead of "by heart,” “talk less" instead of "let alone," "Englisher" instead of "grammarian," etc.
The next is a night Bepo becomes the only eye witness that saw Mr. Egi performing a ritual in the middle of the school compound. Bepo was worried about it because he knew he couldn't take up the case. He remembers another ritual case like that of a parent, Mr. Ogo, in Fruitful Future Schools, (one he started with a friend after NYSC in Warri). Mr. Ogo, whose son was also a student, having seen how rapidly the school was growing, decided to contribute to it. He told Bepo and his friend he could help through some fetish means, make the school grow even better. They refuse and he withdraw his son from the school. Ten years later, after the school had met a fruitless future., Mr. Ogo got involved in a police case for defrauding a lady he promised to make fertility portion for.
CHAPTER EIGHT: MISSIONS UNACCOMPLISHED
Bepo is not happy that he will be leaving without resolving some pressing matters at Stardom. He remembers a case still in court concerning Banky's parents and Tosh's parents. The SS2 boys are vying for some prefectship positions. In his manifesto, Banky said "instead of voting for the son of an ex-convict, cast your vote for me... (42). Tosh's parents did not take this lightly, especially because of a previous case between both parents at a PTA meeting; both sons had contested in a dance competition.
The school's peace move proved furtile. Chief Didi Ogba threatened to withdraw Tosh and his younger brother from the school. He insisted Banky and his parents write to him separate letters of apology, but the latter's lawyer puts it to barrister Ogba Didi that (using the video of the event as evidence) Banky did not mention Mr. Ogba's name in that regard.
Bepo is also upset he will miss the Invention Club; they invented a phone that would attract NGOs like Life Grid. Bepo will be proud he's a part of the manufacturing theme. He has promised (in his mind) to fly back to Nigeria to witness the launching in view.
CHAPTER NINE: LAUGHING WATERFALL
This chapter exposes the country's beautiful natural environment through excursion. Bepo remembers some excursion experiences. The visit to Badagry stands out as it tells of Slavery. Bepo thinks the fact that Africans, especially Nigerians, keep running abroad to work for the white man is another form of slavery--one imposed on themselves, perhaps because of the harsh economic realities that rocks the country.
CHAPTER TEN: PASSPORT PAINS
Knowing that he'll be traveling soon, Bepo is left with no choice than to renew his passport that had expired two years ago. He had wanted to before the pandemic set in. After COVID, he thought of the stress and decided against it. After all he wasn't planning to travel. First quarter of 2022 and traveling is no option for him, so he has to go through the stress. He weighs his options like joining the rush in Lagos, bribing the immigration officer for quicker service, pay higher than normal fee to have the passport within a month or less, travel to a neighboring (less populated) state to have it renewed, etc. Bepo settles for the last option. Ibadan here he comes!
He learns that the Government and agency had announced a stop to bribery and any form of middleman activity in the process. Ironically, he finds from his agent that such law exists only on papers. While it's possible one can carry out the renewal process himself online, the online glitch suspected to be caused by the agency so as to discourage people from self-help will make one think otherwise. Before embarking on his Ibadan journey, he settles with Tai (his agent who's actually working hand in gloves with the agency) on phone. Bepo is meant to pay N100,000 instead of the official charge of N70,000, then other N20,000 after capturing to make things faster.
Having considered some security aspects, Bepo chooses to travel in a public bus instead of driving himself. In 50 minutes, time they are in Ibadan. The swiftness of the journey reminds him of the last time he had such 10 years ago, when the reverse was the case. Trust Lagos traffic; he learned that about 250,000 vehicles ply the Lagos Road. He wonders why the so much attention on Lagos roads than other states like Bayelsa that has the oil. Bepo questions some government policies and politics that has bedeviled the country in recent times.
Traveling on the Ibadan Road brings some memories. He finally gets to his destination, lodges at a hotel, wakes up early to meet up with his schedule. He gets to the immigration office on time. He woke up early so as to beat traffic, but surprisingly, Ibadan is not Lagos. He meets with Tai who turns out to be a mere business center guy, a middleman for an officer inside the premise. Tai clears him, he meets with an immigration officer in question and, in no time, it's done. Though he has to return in three weeks’ time for data capturing, the process is actually faster than Bepo thinks. Happily, he gives the officer an extra 2,000 naira. The officer tells him of the extra charges he paid is the reason he didn't have to go through the stress like others, pointing to a multitude of people in a hall.
Bepo, at the NIN office, is not as lucky this time even though he tries to be nice to everyone that helps him. A terrible network glitch causes him to wait for three more weeks for validation. He already risks missing his traveling date.
CHAPTER ELEVEN: POINT OF NO RETURN
Bepo is given a ceremonial send-forth featuring speeches, comic dramatic imitation of the principal by students in the Drama Club. The dance drama, an attempt to reenact the slavery experience gets Bepo emotional when he remembers Badagry and what it stands for. He gets emotional about a scene where a slave is about to be beheaded. He didn't realize when he stands to his feet and cries out Noooo! He comes to himself when all eyes fix on him.
In her remark, Mr. Gloss appreciate Bepo's effort and commitment. She recalls when Bepo, who's actually employed by her father, first came to Stardom to apply for job. She praises the English teacher for remaining constant in zeal and commitment. The MD, on behalf of the management, gives Bepo a token (a cheque) of more than $10,000 as gift. Bepo can't control his tears again when he is handed the mic to say his parting words. The feeling is mutual as members of the Stardom family can't help but shed some tears too.
CHAPTER TWELVE: DAWN
Finally, the day comes when Bepo will travel. His Emirate flight is scheduled for 10 p.m. on Saturday. Bepo remembers how he missed an eleven o’ clock flight which he thought was scheduled for 1 p.m. six years ago. His wife teases him about it, but he's learned better. He wakes up early to beat up the Lagos traffic. He's about to call an Uber when his Landlord, Mr. Ogunwale, and family show up. They come to bid him farewell as well as to give him a ride to the airport. Bepo didn't object. They are about setting out when Bepo's phone rings. Some of his colleagues call to bid him farewell and to offer him a lift too. They get to the airport and watch him take his flight. On flight, Bepo dreams, seeing himself, a slave heading to the land of no return. He screams, "I say Noooo!” waking up. He's attended to.
The scene shifts to Stardom Schools, and Bepo's absent is felt. The MD assures the learners they will get another of Bepo's kind. But just as the MD would say more word, “a shout of Principo reverberated at the gate" (63). Bepo appears from behind crying: I am back! I am back...I am here! I didn't go! I'm not going again! My heart is here! This is where my heart is! I am here to complete my mission!" set in. The children gyrate and celebrate, singing the school's victory song.
LITERARY DEVICES
1. COMIC RELIEF
While we long to know what's happened to our beloved headmaster, the writer introduces the beautiful speech of Ikenna to ease the tension. The MD also attempt to ease the tension when she jokingly says that Bepo might just be missing his wife who had travelled to London although it is not greeted with laughter.
2. BATHOS
The mood and atmosphere of the assembly changes from excitement (after Ikenna's speech), to fear and anxiety the moment the principal starts crying. Another tense moment, when Fafore gets sack, becomes lighter after Bepo clears the grammatical mess up and Audu does his humorous wonders. Again, we see a switch from what looks like sadness to joy in Stardom when, in chapter twelve, Bepo shows up and declares he's going nowhere.
3. PARALLISM:
Dusk, a period where the sun is gradually going to rest, parallels the dull and unsmiling state of the principal. Notice that even though the plot begins in the morning, the first part is referred to as dusk only to give credence to Bepo's unusual dull behavior. The more silence and tears parallel, the darker the night that precedes the dusk. The once beautiful nature of Jos before insurgency, the "violent crisis that had affected it" also parallels the once beautiful nature of Principo before today. Jos, as described in Ikenna's speech, is a microcosm of Nigeria that was once beautiful and peaceful before corruption etc. How no one can tell what has happened to Bepo in chapter one resembles how no one has an idea why Fafore is laid off. Again, the first scene parallels the send-forth scene (the two times we see Bepo in the assembly) as the principal cries before the students. One is tears of pain and, the other, tears of joy.
4. REVELATION
Firstly, we find out the reason for Bepo's mood swing, his resolve to travel to the UK as prompted by Seri his wife. Again, when Bepo considers his opportunity and make enquiry about the diaspora, the writer uses the device to reveal lucrative businesses in Nigeria and their challenges. We also see a comparison between Nigeria and the UK in all aspects and, of course, the reason most Nigerians like Audu would likely japa if they get the opportunity Bepo is toying with. Another comparison made is that between Lagos, Ibadan and other parts of the country in terms of traffic, infrastructure, federal government's presence, security, development, etc. In chapter one, Ikenna's speech is fair to Nigeria when he did his comparison (maybe to create comic effect). Well, we find some truth in it, especially as regards tourism. Other excursion experience reveals the country's rich tradition and socio-cultural heritage.
5. EXPOSITION
This is a kind of revelation too. This is done early in the narrative. From the start, we are exposed to three important aspects of the narrative:
i. The personality of the main character, Bepo.
ii. The reputation/standard of Stardom Schools
iii. The staff of Stardom Schools
THE PERSONALITY OF THE MAIN CHARACTER
Adebepo Adewale is a tall, always smart and ever smiling man. He initiated the pep talk seven years earlier. He is described as "an inspiring pillar at Stardom for 24 years (6). He is regarded by parents, employers, stakeholders as a "school builder" who is passionate about students' growth. He is so likeable (as we later find) that the MD's father liked him at first sight when he came to apply for the job 24 years ago. Even his landlord is at peace with him (a very rare thing in Lagos). In fact, Fafore had described Lagos landlords as "land gods" because of their hostility and high rent. The light skinned is nicknamed the Lekki headmaster for imitating characters in the old TV drama "The Village Headmaster." The fact that he can't but let his tears flow freely before all in the assembly ground reveals his soft and vulnerable part. All these about the main character comes early in the narrative, thereby juggling our curiosity to want to know him more.
THE REPUTATION AND STANDARD OF STARDOM SCHOOL.
Stardom Schools is an A-list school located in the posh heart of Lekki. It has respect and regards for religious and civic activities. It observes pep talk and is known for always going out for excursions, especially the recent one in Jos that portrays the quality standard of the school and the kind of education every Nigerian child deserves.
Stardom Schools management is smart and strategic too. One of its strategies is reducing its boarding fees from N250,000 to N165,00, which results in earliness to school, 80% of parents moving their children to boarding, students turning up for assembly at 7:45 a.m. The school had celebrated its over 90% success in the last WASSCE, rewarded teachers whose subjects were cleared and sacked those whose subjects weren't cleared. Even the MD's cousin, Funso Daniels, a teacher, was sacked for this. According to the MD, on Bepo's sudden "insanity”, the school was not a rehabilitation center but a place for learning and earning money. (9). Again, all these about Stardom come early in chapter one.
6. FLASHBACK
While the main story is Bepo's call to a good life abroad, his contemplations, resolve to travel and sudden change of mind, most salient details are captured in flashbacks and reminiscence.
Flashback reveals how Bepo was one time out of job, so bad his penury that he ate the N2,500 compound NEPA bill and faced embarrassment. We also see the reason Bepo quits his Beesway Group of school job: partly for always correcting every grammatical blunder whether by the MD, students or parents, but chiefly because he had caught the MD carrying out a fetish ritual in the middle of the school compound at night. Again, we see Bepo's experience at Fruitful Future School (after NYSC in Warri). He had set up the school with his colleague, but the school didn't turn out fruitful because of some government negligence.
We also see the joys and woes of Stardom Schools’ open days—how parents like the Gbayi family gifts the school with several packages of beverages, etc.
Most of what we know about the school policies are flashed back. For example, we learn that a teacher can be sacked if he flogs any student, if a student fails his or her subject in WASSCE, if he asks students to help copy note on the board, if he commits grammatical blunders, etc.
In his contemplations, Bepo recalls some very funny and disturbing experience like how Fafore was almost sacked, how Ayesoro was moved to another department of the Stardom company, how he gets all his nicknames, how the Ignatius because of DNA issue was denied visa, Sola's ordeal at Stardom and how she left the country, Fafore and other committed teacher's routine to school, etc.
All the excursion experiences are brought to us through flashbacks and reminiscence also. Major among them is the Jos excursion that upholds the beauty of the nation, and the visit to Badagry that brings history to our doorstep.
7. IRONY
The future of Fruitful Future School becomes unfruitful. The Ministry of Education didn't notice the grammatical blunder in a school's name (Beesway Group of School) they had registered and approved. Fafore and others living in Ifo, Ojo, and Ofada wake up as early as 4:00am to arrive school at 6:00 am. Other teachers staying close did not get the most punctual teacher award. Fafore gets it twice. Again, it's ironic that the MD didn't consider this about Fafore when she sacks him over a grammatical blunder.
CHARACTER AND CHARACTERIZATION
1. ADEBEPO ADEWALE
Popularly known as Depo, Principo or the Lekki headmaster, he is a one-time Headmaster at Stardom Kiddies (for four years) before he's transferred to the secondary section where he worked for 20 years as at when the narrative begins. Bepo's personality is revealed in the first chapter. The tall, smart, light skinned likeable University of Benin graduate is known for his passion, carriage and mastery of words.
The narrative begins with Bepo at the assembly not wearing his usual morning smile, not maintaining eye contact with students, etc. It becomes worse when he starts crying because he'll be leaving them to the UK soon. Bepo contemplates and resolve in his mind to travel. After a fearful dream of him becoming a slave overseas, he changes his mind and returns to Nigeria to continue his Stardom Schools' job.
2. MD, IBIDUN GLOSS
Known as MD (Managing Director), she runs Stardom Schools owned by her father. When VP can no longer handle Bepo's situation, especially after receiving several calls from parents about Bepo's situation, she calls the absent MD. Ibidun Gloss is a typical businesswoman who thinks the school is meant for, above all, learning and earning. Her strictly business and no-nonsense nature is revealed when she rewards those whose subjects were cleared in the past WASSCE and sacks the other teachers for not delivering their units. She sacked Mr. Funso Daniels, her cousin. Fafore also get her sack for grammatical blunder, but she later retrieves it when it turns out the English teacher's grammar is correct. MD, who had been battling with some peppery pains in her buttocks, is also a soft woman with some humor: she jokingly said Bepo's behavior is a result of the fact that the principal is missing his wife who now stays in London.
3. SOLA
Sola, a one-time Home Economics teacher at Stardom, is a young Nigerian in the diaspora. She travelled with her husband to the UK after a sick leave. Bepo had helped Sola when she's almost sacked for secretly running a creche. She faced a three-month suspension without pay but finally gets all her entitlements.
Sola had called Bepo a day after they arrived London. She's responsible for most of what Bepo knows about the diaspora. She tells Bepo how convenient and advantageous his "kind of relocation" is compared to hers that they had to sell their all to add to the N4milion loan they'd taken. Bepo would not have to borrow or sell properties for that. According to Sola, Bepo would not have to job search or work his ass out like her and her husband who's pursuing his master's. She reveals how their stay initially was so tough that they had to stay in some uncompleted apartment. Two factors that had kept Sola and other Nigerians going are the great infrastructure and the opportunity for their children to enjoy quality education. She shares her testimony of how her three-year-old daughter had a seizure and was taken care of for free, how her daughter's birthday was celebrated in the hospital, etc.
4. FAFORE
Even though we only see him in Bepo's reminiscence about Open Day, Parents and management’s reactions towards what they regard as teacher's negligence, his case helps give the narrative some tonic and flavor. Leaving his class when Bepo calls him out to inform Fafore of the new development, the English teacher decides against the urge to ask a student to help copy the note on the board. He remembers a case where, for asking a girl to do so, her parents had sued the school for exploitation.
Fafore stays in the outskirts of Lagos, very far from Lekki. He wakes up by 4:00 a.m. to beat the Lagos traffic, gets to work by 6:30 a.m. and take a nap. Even though Fafore's attitude towards work earned him an award for punctuality, MD didn't spare him when she thought he had committed a grammar blunder.
5. MRS. IGNATIUS
Mrs. Ignatius is one of the parents at Stardom Schools who Bepo thinks is taking advantage of their red-carpet customer care service. She calls Bepo at 11:50 p.m. to discuss her family matters. Her husband, Mr. Ibe Ignatus, had left the house angrily after a DNA test showed that their daughter, Favour, has a different paternity. This had resulted in their visa denial as they had planned to japa to London. Mrs. Ignatius is also a lover of the japa philosophy. She'd even learnt tailoring, hairdressing and the bridal art in preparation before the DNA saga.
6. MR. IBE IGNATUS
Husband of Mrs. Ignatius. He is the celebrity oil firm manager who gets fed up with Nigeria and buys into the japa philosophy. Mr. Ibe believes that the real leaders of tomorrow will be those who would have some edge over others in terms of finance, education and exposure. The family's visa processing is still on when a DNA test shows that he's not the father of one among their three children, Favour. He leaves home angrily and this gets the wife worried as she calls Bepo late in the night to inform him
6. MR AUDU
Known for his humors, Mr. Audu, the Fine Arts teacher at Stardom is responsible for most of the comic reliefs. He is the one who nicknames Bepo the Lekki Headmaster after the principal had skillfully handled a case between teachers after the manner of King Oloja in the movie titled The Village Headmaster. Audu had also referred to MD as a witch and a wizard rolled in one body. He, to some extent, helps Bepo see how great the opportunity of traveling abroad when he jokingly says he'd grab the chance without hesitation if Bepo's wife would adopt him as her new husband. When Fafore's grammatical blunder case is resolved, Audu also makes light of the situation, and it ends in laughter for all.
7. MR. EGI MEKO, DIRECTOR AT BEESWAY:
He's the Managing Director of Bepo's former place of work, Beesway Group of School. He always has issues with Bepo for correcting every of his grammar like when the latter pointed a grammatical fault in the school's name, when he referred to Bepo as Englisher instead of "grammarian" and when he said "talk less of" instead of" let alone,” “off head" instead of "by heart," etc. Mr. Egi Meko was caught performing a ritual in the middle of the school at night. This had cost Bepo, the eye witness, his job.
8. VP, MRS. GRACE APEH:
She is the Vice principal of Stardom Schools. Mrs. Grace is the first to quiz Bepo. When the principal didn't respond, she orders the Chemistry teacher to continue the assembly. After several disturbing calls from parents, VP puts a call to MD, who's absent at the time, to inform her of Bepo's situation. In the last scene, after Bepo had presumedly traveled out, VP speech at the assembly is so low in spirit that the students long for their Principo more.
9. AYESORO
Ayesoro, a teacher at Stardom as seen in one of Bepo's reminiscence. He is posted to the business section of Stardom Group of Companies when a parent, the Ladeles, accuses him of taunting their daughter, Bibi, in her dream.
10. MR. AND MRS LADELE
They are parents at Stardom. Their complaint about how Mr. Ayesoro keeps taunting their child, Bibi, in her dream results in the posting of the teacher to the business department of the Stardom Group of Companies.
11. MR. OPE WANDE
He is a pastor. He receives a call from MD because he's absent from the assembly. Trying to get words from Bepo, Mr. Ope Wande promises he'd keep it secret. He, like the MD, reminds Bepo of his position vis-a-vis the school's reputation and how the matter has swirled. The pastor is the first to affirm that Bepo's wife, Seri, lives in London. When MD suggests the principal, in his unusualness, be taken home, it is Wande who finds the idea rather disturbing, considering the circumstances.
12. ANGEL
Angel is the chapel prefect at Stardom Schools. Hers is the first name we see in the narrative. After Ikenna's pep talk, Angel passes the mic to Bepo and then the drama. Angel also appears in the last scene doing same.
13. IKENNA EGBU
After Angel, the next student we meet is Ikenna, a respected SS1 science student who narrates his excursion experience using figurative language. His pep speech is so loaded that it gets countless ovations. Ikenna's mother is an award-winning poet and a broadcaster.
Other characters whose names are mentioned (but never developed) include:
14. Mrs. Justus Annabel
15. Mr. Oyelana, the CRK teacher
16. Mr. Obong Ukaku, the Chemistry teacher
17. Miss Taye Kareem, the Geography teacher.
18. Mr. Funso Daniels, MD of Stardom's cousin.
19. FAVOR
She is a 15-year-old SS2 student of Stardom Schools. She's Ignatius’ daughter whose DNA test confirms a different paternity. This is of course the reason for the family's visa denial.
20. IYI
He is Favour's brother. He smells a rat when the embassy denies them visa. His suspicion gets Mr. Ignatius worried.
21. SERI
Seri is Bepo's wife living in London with their two daughters, Rike and Nike. She persuaded Bepo to travel abroad perhaps because their children are involved and the principal is not willing to take chances in his marriage. When Bepo prepares for his flight, we see Seri dishing out some humorous reminders. She teases the principal about a previous flight he had missed because of timing.
THEMES IN KABIR'S THE LEKKI HEADMASTER
1. EXPLOITATION
The girl a teacher asks to help copy note on the board is accused of being physically and sexually exploited. When the parents sue and force the school to pay back in kind, we also see another kind of exploitation.
Landlords in Lagos charge high. They claim the government charges higher. It's so bad that Fafore who, described Lagos landlords as "land gods," had to save up, build for himself a home, moves in even though it wasn't well furnished. The story of slavery as learnt from the Badagry excursion is one of exploitation of the blacks.
2. CORRUPTION
Government officials like those in the immigration office charge higher rate to break protocols for those who need their visas urgently or are not willing to follow due process. Others are kept waiting and almost unattended to.
Bepo can’t report the ritual case of the Beesway director because he has no money to "push the case," like paying for the sheet he'll write his statement on, fueling the police vehicle and, of course, reporting to the ministry of education might boomerang and endanger the health of the learners since the country's judicial system does not favor the common man. The Fruitful Future School did not last long because the road leading to it gets too bad to ply as a result of negligence by the government.
3. JOB SECURITY AND THE PRIVATE SECTOR
This is one of the most salient issues raised. Here, we notice how job security is not guaranteed. Someone working in a private sector can be fired for the slightest reason. The cases of Sola, Bepo, MD's cousin and Fafore etc. are some instances. According to Audu, "that job we have is the type of one wind can blow away, any time, any day, depending on the mood of our employer." Workers are at the mercy of employers, like Mrs. Ibidun Gloss whose business is for learning to earning money. For workers like Fafore, Mr. Funso Daniels and the teachers that are fired because students didn't pass their subjects in WASSCE, nobody cares about your commitment and punctuality. The moment you fall below standard and expectations, you're out of job. It seems the only way out is self-employment. No wonder, Bepo dreams of going into business after retirement at 55.
Job security, above all, is the reason most Nigerians, from Bepo's findings, would settle for the UK, London and Canada where there is flexibility and fair renumeration. Though, they'd be made to work very hard. But, at least, they will have enough to fend for themselves there, save up, do one or two projects in Nigeria etc.
4. GRAMMATICAL PALAVER
The narrative uses the opportunity to delve into the English grammar and its second learners’ experience. One's mastery of the rules guiding language use and accurate pronunciation of words is equivalent to intelligence. Bepo is everywhere correcting grammatical blunders. He was almost fired by the Director at Beesway for correcting the school’s name (34-35). All thanks to Bepo, else Fafore would have been fired by the MD who thinks the English teacher's sentence wasn't well constructed. To her, it's a disgrace to her school and to Fafore who calls himself an English language teacher. Bepo had got the nickname Principo because he is always correcting students' way of pronouncing the word "principal". We also notice that Ikenna's pep talk receives a loud ovation because of the student's fluency and choice of words.
5. LAGOS STRIFE
Living in Lagos is stressful. Fafore (and others), in order to beat traffic, get set for work at 4:30 a.m., arrives school at 6:30 a.m. and take a nap before work. Bepo also fears Ibadan is like Lagos, hence he wakes up early to meet up the 7a.m. scheduled time to meet with the immigration officer.
Apart from traffic, cost of living in Lagos, especially when it comes to renting of apartment, is very high. Fafore cannot bear it any longer, so he manages to build for himself an apartment and moves in, even though it's unfinished and unfurnished, just to escape the wrath of the "Land gods."
6. EXCURSION AS LEARNING AND EXPOSURE
It’s funny how the narrative, even though it's about education, didn't really get to show us classroom learning. Learning here begins from the assembly as Ikenna puts his fellow students in a tutelage position. Excursion plays the role of learning and exposure. Excursion teaches us Geography in Ikenna's speech about Jos. Excursion also taught us History in Bepo's reminiscence about the Badagry visit. According to Bepo, most of the students will further their education overseas, and the only way and time they will know and learn about places in Nigeria is through several excursions.
POINT OF VIEW
The Lekki Headmaster is told from the omniscient point of view but with a limited omniscient narrator. Thus, the material is presented from the view of the main character, a third person, Bepo. Most of what we know about Stardom Schools, the excursion experiences, the diaspora etc., are revealed through Bepo's reminiscence (what he gathers from several migration tales, especially from Sola) although there are few cases where the author deliberately intrudes through characters or take us back to the past through flashback.
Because Bepo's knowledge on some matters is limited, the author has to intrude. Karbi uses the opportunity to air his thoughts and views on some matters. On whether one society is better than the other in terms of living, the author, through Bepo, gives his opinion when he says:
" Life, anywhere, is not a bed of roses, every place harbored its challenges"(13).
He further tells us why it seems the western world is more developed:
"The pragmatic wage system...must be one of the ideals contributing to the continued growth of the developed world.”
On the advantages and disadvantages for those planning to japa, he says:
"...they would live and spend in dollars in the US or Pounds in the UK paying rents, taxes, maintenance and others in the hard currencies they earned. Yet, they felt whatever remained, if sent back home, still translated to good sums, which many Nigerians could not afford to save (14).
QUIZ: Subjective Questions and Answers to Kabir's The Lekki Headmaster.
1. The character whose name is first mentioned in the narrative is__? Ans. Angel, the chapel prefect.
2. Three major factors that make Depo's first appearance awkward.
Ans: Walks briskly, not wearing his usual morning smile, and he avoids eye contacts with the students.
3. How many times did Depo attempt to speak before the mics falls off his hand? Ans: 3 times.
4. Who is the first person among Bepo's colleagues to speak to the grief principal about his unusual behavior? Ans. The vice principal, Mrs. Grace Apeh.
5. Who did the VP instruct to continue with the assembly after Bepo had fumbled? Ans. The chemistry teacher, Mrs. Justus Anabel
6. Who are those that walk the principal out of the assembly? Ans. Mrs. Apeh (the nurse) and Mr. Oyelana (the CRK teacher).
7. According to rumors from parents that call the VP to check up on Bepo, the principal is___ Ans: Weeping and rolling uncomfortably on the floor; he kept muttering Oluwa gba mi o (Save me O Lord!),
8. At what point did the VP realize it's best to call and inform the MD about Depo’s?
Ans: When rumors are beginning to fly.
9. The reason the MD is not in school on the day of Bepo's feat is__
Ans: She attends a function same morning.
10. Some positive impacts as a result of the school lowering its boarding fee include:
Ans: Reduction in lateness to school, more than 80% of parents move their children to the boarding house.
11. Before the policy change that brought about the above, the school had raised the fee for excursion and other by___
Ans: N93,000.
12. The above inflation had caused gossip among the teachers especially -----
Ans: Mr. Audu, the fine arts teacher.
13. __ is referred to as a bunch of biting humor?
Ans: Mr. Audu.
14. Mr. Audu, because of the inflation, refers to the MD as ___
Ans: A witch and a wizard rolled in one.
15. The first excursion experience we meet in the narrative is ___
Ans: The Jos excursion experience in Ikenna's pep speech.
16. Ikenna describes the beauty of Nigeria as a/an___
Ans: Acrobatic beauty.
17. In his speech, Ikenna compares the beauty of Nigeria to that of___
Ans: London and New York.
18. The above comparison is not in terms infrastructure and job opportunities but in terms of___
Ans: Natural environment
19. According to Ikenna, even though some violent crisis had rocked Jos, the city remains__in the country.
Ans: The leading tourism city.
20. Ikenna's speech about settling down for Jos if he has the opportunity over Canada or London would have served as an implication to Bepo because the latter___
Ans: Is about leaving the country soon.
21. Leaving Nigeria to settle down in Canada or London is referred as___
Ans: Japa.
22. Students had nicknamed Bepo “Principo” because of__
Ans: His manner of articulating the word "principal."
23. Stardom Schools had in the previous day celebrated___
Ans: 90% success in the last WASSCE
24. _____ assures the grieved Bepo he'll keep secret whatever the principal reveals is the cause of his mood swing.
Ans: Mr. Ope Wande, the Physics teacher as well as a pastor
25. According the MD, the school is not a rehabilitation center but ___
Ans: A place for learning and earning money.
26. Mr. Bepo finally opens up after how many days of interrogation and frustration?
Ans: Five days.
27. Because of his manner of resolving conflicts like King Oloja in the movie The Village Headmaster, Mr. Audu nicknames Bepo___
Ans: The Lekki headmaster.
28. Enticement as the title of chapter two refers to___
Ans: A better job opportunity abroad offered to Bepo.
29. When converted, the £3,600 Bepo will be paid abroad is N6,000,000 at about N1,700 per pound.
30. One major tip Bepo had learnt from a seminar on comfort and job security is ___
Ans: Only business, not salary, can afford one a better financial life.
31. Bepo's retirement plan at 55 include ______
Ans: Owning a school, farming, food and pure water business, transportation business, etc.
32. From Bepo's survey and migration stories___ earn better abroad.
Ans: Skilled workers and professionals.
33. Sola thinks Bepo's relocation is the most convenient because__
Ans: The principal stays and works there. Bepo will be doing a legit and well-paid job. He's financially buoyant enough not to have sold his properties or take loans to raise money for his travel.
34. Sola and her husband, in order to travel out, had to__
Ans: Sell everything they had and borrow the sum of N4 million.
35. Because Sola and her husband could not afford the rent in London, they had to stay in a non-furnished two-bedroom apartment located where?
Ans: In Manchester.
36. Bepo gets a fresh perspective about life in the diaspora about___ months earlier.
Ans: Six months
37. Sola and Bepo had known each other when the former was ___
Ans. A Home Economics teacher at Stardom Schools.
38. Who gave Bepo a fresh perspective about life and living in the UK?
Ans: Sola.
39. Two major factors that spur the japa philosophy in Nigeria are__
Ans: Great infrastructure and the opportunity for their children to enjoy sound education.
40. __is the name of Sola's three-year-old daughter who benefits from the country's excellent health sector.
Ans: Betty (her second child)
41. The proverb of the sugarcane and bitterleaf which have different tastes even though both had bathed from same rain is a reference to the case of___
Ans: Rieke and Akindele, respectively.
42. According to___ "there is no easy job in America o! Oyinbo man does not want to know whether you are young or old..."
Ans: Akindele.
43. The case of visa denial is associated with___
Ans: Mr. and Mrs. Ibe Ignatius.
44 _____is the name of the farm ant Bepo claims never to have beaten him because they both share same complexion.
Ans: Salamo
45. Ignatius’ idea of Nigerian leaders of tomorrow is___
Ans: Children of the rich will grow up and school in a sane environment like the US.
46. Having learnt that artisanry pays off abroad, Mrs. Ignatius had learned what craft?
Ans: Tailoring, hairdressing and the bridal art.
47. For over 30 years Mrs. Ibidun Gloss suffers from a health condition described as ___
Ans: A peppery pain in her buttocks
48. ___is likened to hanging a snake in the roof and going to bed by Chief Bayo.
Ans: Loaning huge amounts of money to teachers.
49. Fafore, the English teacher, was almost sacked for a case of ___
Ans: Grammatical blunder.
50. Mr. Egi Meko of Beesway Group of School would not change the school's name claiming__ It's the name of all the school's facility and documents. It's the name registered at the Cooperate Affairs Commission and Ministry of Education. It's divinely inspired.
51. Bepo had left Beesway for what reason?
Ans: He caught his boss carrying out some fetish ritual in the middle of the school compound.
52. Bepo couldn't push the Meko's ritual case legally because of ____
Ans: 1. He didn't have enough money to bribe corrupt police and judges. 2. He doubts if ministry of animal rights exists in Nigeria.
54. According to the MD, one major prerequisite for one to be a prefect in Stardom is _____
Ans: Being debt free.
55. The two unresolved issues Bepo is worried about as he plans to travel are?
Ans: The court case between Tosh and Banky's parents. 2. The yet to launch phone manufactured by Stardom Schools' students.
56. Laughing waterfall is a reference to___
Ans: The students visit to quintessential places in Nigeria.
57. The chapter is a deliberate attempt by the author to achieve what?
Ans: Tour readers around rich natural environment of Nigeria.
58. The ikogosi, known for its cold and warm springs, according to the narrative, was discovered in 1852 by _____
Ans: Rev. John S McGee
59. "Being born in a place like this does not condemn one to a life of penury."(46). "A place like this" refers to where?
Ans: Ajegunle.
60. According to the narrative, Badagry is a significant town in Lagos State and Nigeria because of_____
Ans: Its pioneering contact with Atlantic slave traders.
61.According to the Akran of Badagry, when was the town founded?
Ans: Late 1720s by Popo refugees.
62. Which between the slave trade story and the industry story is a bigger Badagry story according to the monarch?
Ans: The story of its industry.
63. The monarch affirms that Badagry is derived from the word___
Ans: Agbadarigi.
64. In their Badagry excursion, where did the students spot the first copy of translated Bible? Ans: In the first storey building.
65. To Bepo, the japa fit is only another form of ___
Ans: Slavery.
66. While searching on Google for Clark's poem, Bepo comes across a novel by Abimbola Adelakun titled___
Ans: Under the Brown Rusted Roofs.
67. What is the last performance at Bepo's send-forth?
Ans: The canoe dance.
68. What is the relationship between the last performance at the send-forth with the plot?
Ans: It parallels history (Slavery), the japa philosophy (present) and Bepo's intent to travel (Neo slavery)
69. At the performance, when the white man draws his sword to behead a black, the writer dramatically present___
Ans: History, Present and Future (if Bepo travels).
70. The fact that Bepo cannot withstand the above sight and shouts noooo already gives a hint that___
Ans: He'll decide against his plan to travel.
71. When Bepo finally didn't travel, we say the above is actually a literary technique called___
Ans: Foreshadow
72. When the 7-year-old Kemi, Landlord's daughter, says Bepo wants to japa, what is the principal's reaction?
Ans: He feels ashamed of himself.
73. What did Bepo promise Kemi as he leaves for the UK?
Ans: To come back to take her.
74. Who did Bepo sell his Pathfinder Sports unity vehicle to before traveling?
Ans: Mr. Jeremi Amos, the accountant.
75. At the assembly, after Depo's departure, his absence is felt more because of what?
Ans: The vice principal’s speech didn't strike the usual chord.
76. The narrative ends with the students' gyrating because___
Ans: Bepo ret
Tags:
School gists