At schoolisle.com, where we provide you with everything related to the JAMB new novel, The Lekki Headmaster by Kabir Alabi Garba. That is why we have decided to bring you the chapter by chapter summary of the book to help you understand it better. In this post, I will share the summary of the Lekki Headmaster chapter 1 and the possible JAMB questions and answers from the chapter.
Every UTME candidate is expected to read and get acquainted with this book.
Details of the Chapter
| Name | The Lekki Headmaster |
|---|---|
| Author | Kabir Alabi Garba |
| Subject | Use of English |
| Chapter Summary | 1 |
| Exam | JAMB |
| Themes in Chapter 1 | Mental Health, Leadership |
| Chapter Tone and Style | The chapter balances seriousness with moments of humor and irony |
SEE ALSO:Â JAMB 2025 Novel: Lekki Headmaster By Kabir Alabi Garba
Lekki Headmaster Chapter one Summary
The novel begins with an unexpected event during the morning assembly at Stardom Schools. The principal, Mr. Bepo Adewale, known for his confident and energetic demeanor, behaves unusually as he approaches the podium. Visibly distressed, he avoids eye contact with students and staff and is unable to deliver his speech. To everyone’s shock, he breaks down in tears.
Mrs. Grace Apeh, the Vice Principal, promptly takes control of the situation. She instructs the staff to conclude the assembly and, together with the school nurse, Mrs. Titi, escorts Mr. Bepo to his office. Despite their efforts to console him and uncover the reason for his distress, he remains inconsolable, weeping uncontrollably.
As the morning unfolds, word of the principal’s emotional breakdown spreads across the school. Mrs. Apeh contacts the Managing Director, Mrs. Ibidun Gloss, who quickly arrives to assess the situation. Reflecting on Mr. Bepo’s dedication and significant contributions to the school’s success, Mrs. Gloss expresses concern about the sudden change in his behavior and its potential impact on the school’s reputation.
Throughout the ordeal, Mr. Bepo mutters disjointedly, occasionally crying out phrases like “Oluwa gba mi o!” (“God, save me!”). Efforts to understand the cause of his distress prove futile. Mrs. Gloss enlists the help of Mr. Wande, a pastor and physics teacher, who suggests reaching out to Mr. Bepo’s wife, currently living in London. This raises suspicions of possible marital or emotional challenges behind his breakdown.
Despite their best efforts, Mr. Bepo remains deeply troubled. Mrs. Gloss decides to send him home under the care of the guidance counselor, Mrs. Beke Egbin, emphasizing the importance of seeking professional help to address his condition. She also resolves to handle the matter discreetly to avoid alarming parents and students, while ensuring the school maintains its educational focus.
This chapter introduces Mr. Bepo Adewale as the central figure and delves into themes such as mental health, leadership, and the challenges of managing an elite institution. It sets the tone for the story, blending elements of seriousness and subtle humor, while exploring the relationships among staff members at Stardom Schools.
25 Questions and Answers From Chapter 1
- Q: How does the novel begin?
A: The novel opens with an unusual event during the morning assembly at Stardom Schools, where the principal, Mr. Bepo Adewale, displays strange behavior and breaks down in tears. - Q: What is Mr. Bepo Adewale’s usual demeanor?
A: He is typically confident, lively, and energetic. - Q: How does Mr. Bepo behave during the assembly?
A: He appears distraught, avoids eye contact, fails to deliver his speech, and eventually breaks down crying. - Q: Who steps in to manage the situation during the assembly?
A: Mrs. Grace Apeh, the Vice Principal, steps in to manage the situation. - Q: What actions does Mrs. Apeh take after Mr. Bepo breaks down?
A: She instructs staff to conclude the assembly and, along with the school nurse, Mrs. Titi, escorts Mr. Bepo to his office. - Q: Does Mr. Bepo explain the reason for his distress?
A: No, despite several attempts to console him, he does not provide an explanation. - Q: Who does Mrs. Apeh contact after the incident?
A: She contacts the Managing Director, Mrs. Ibidun Gloss. - Q: What is Mrs. Gloss’s reaction to the situation?
A: She reflects on Mr. Bepo’s years of dedication and expresses concern about the potential impact on the school’s reputation. - Q: What phrases does Mr. Bepo mutter during his breakdown?
A: He occasionally mutters phrases like “Oluwa gba mi o!” (“God, save me!”). - Q: Who does Mrs. Gloss call in to counsel Mr. Bepo?
A: She involves Mr. Wande, a pastor and physics teacher. - Q: What suggestion does Mr. Wande make?
A: He suggests contacting Mr. Bepo’s wife, who lives in London. - Q: What does the suggestion to contact Mr. Bepo’s wife hint at?
A: It hints at possible marital or emotional issues as the cause of his distress. - Q: Who is assigned to care for Mr. Bepo after the breakdown?
A: Mrs. Beke Egbin, the guidance counselor, is assigned to care for him. - Q: What decision does Mrs. Gloss make regarding handling the situation?
A: She decides to send Mr. Bepo home and emphasize seeking professional help. - Q: What is Mrs. Gloss concerned about beyond Mr. Bepo’s condition?
A: She is concerned about maintaining the school’s focus on education and avoiding alarm among parents and students. - Q: How is the tone of the novel described?
A: The tone balances seriousness and subtle humor. - Q: What themes are introduced in this chapter?
A: The themes of mental health, leadership, and the pressures of managing an elite school are introduced. - Q: How does Mr. Bepo’s breakdown impact the school environment?
A: It shocks the staff and students and raises concerns about the school’s reputation. - Q: Why does Mrs. Gloss emphasize discretion in handling the situation?
A: To avoid causing unnecessary alarm among parents and students. - Q: What role does Mr. Wande play in the situation?
A: He provides spiritual counsel and suggests reaching out to Mr. Bepo’s wife. - Q: How does Mrs. Apeh demonstrate leadership during the crisis?
A: She takes immediate action to manage the situation, ensuring Mr. Bepo receives care. - Q: What does Mr. Bepo’s breakdown reveal about the pressures of leadership?
A: It highlights the toll that responsibilities and potential personal issues can take on a leader’s mental health. - Q: What is Mr. Bepo’s role in the success of Stardom Schools?
A: He has been a dedicated and critical contributor to the school’s achievements. - Q: Who is Mrs. Titi in the story?
A: She is the school nurse who assists in caring for Mr. Bepo. - Q: What does this chapter set the stage for in the novel?
A: It sets the stage for exploring the dynamics of leadership, the importance of mental health, and the interactions between staff members at Stardom Schools.
Chapter 2 summary and possible questions and answers will be published here soon.