Themes in Lekki Headmaster (Jamb 2026 recommended novel)

Themes in Lekki Headmaster and Likely Questions and Answers: Are you a Jambite preparing for the 2026 jamb exams? If you have read the 2026 JAMB use of English recommended novel and are wondering where questions will be set, this post has got you covered.

Below are the Themes in Lekki Headmaster and Likely Questions and Answers to expect.

There are several themes to take home in this novel. Below is a well-detailed explanation of the themes in the novel Lekki Headmaster.

Themes in Lekki Headmaster

Key Themes in the Novel Lekki Headmaster

1. Identity and Belonging

 

Bepo’s journey is not just about leaving Nigeria; it also includes discovering where he really belongs. The good and the bad experiences all contribute to the constitution of his identity. Each one of the years at Stardom Schools has been spent by him working hard to make it a conducive environment, where students learn values and become better persons. Even with all these achievements, he knows that going to the UK will shatter his whole life in Nigeria.

One very glaring example of this theme exists in Chapter Nine when Bepo takes his students on an excursion to Badagry. He stands inside the Heritage Museum thinking about the history of slavery. The place reminds him that many decades ago, Nigerians were forcibly taken from their homes against their will. Now people are leaving for so many reasons, but mostly for a better life. This burden weighs heavily on Bepo. He finds it hard to digest if leaving would mean abandoning Nigeria. Hence, this point in time describes his intense connection to Nigeria and how much harder it seems to be to let go.

The other one is in Chapter 12 when Bepo is at the airport, aboard the plane to the UK. He has made up his mind like this, yet he is bombarded with the feeling that something is lacking. He remembers the people he leaves behind: his students, coworkers, and the life he made. But while boarding the plane, he tells himself he has done his part. Leaving aside, his contribution to Stardom will always remain. This instance shows that belonging is not all about a specific physical space; it also encompasses relationships and memories that linger with a person.

Bepo’s journey teaches us that identity is not about one place or one decision. It is made up of experiences, people, and emotions. Even when a person moves to a new country, a part of their old life always stays with them.

 

2. Corruption and Bureaucracy

 

The most bizarre thing in Nigeria is the government’s bureaucracy system, which operates in a slow and utterly exasperating manner. Many of its processes, such as passport-getting, can seem interminably frustrating and stressful. Instead of a smooth system interrupted only by legal lines, one often finds that things can much faster, albeit unethically, with a small payment as a bribe. Bepo feels first-hand what this means with respect to the renewal of his passport.

Bepo had opted not to renew his passport for the last two years since he felt there was no hurry to go out of Nigeria. However, under pressure from his family, he finally agreed to do so. Unfortunately, it was far from an easy task: with the long queues for renewal, no passport booklets available for days, and new confusing rules, there was not even time to waste finding a working agent in Ibadan for the proper facilitation of company for Bepo. This particular incident goes on to confirm how corruption affects the working modality of a common Nigerian in direct contrast to a decent system wherein the moneyed avail of expeditious services whereas the weaklings suffer indefinite waiting.

Another example is provided later in Chapter 7; Bepo recalls his time at Beesway Group of Schools. The director of the school refuses to correct the grammatical error for he believes the name was “divinely inspired.” The director further dismissed Bepo when he attempted to explain the grammatical correction, and when the parent later raised the grammatical issue, the director got infuriated and charged Bepo with destroying the school’s reputation. This is a different version of corrupt people in power who refuse to accept their mistakes and then victimise those who speak about it.

These illustrations demonstrate a major issue in regard to society. Corruption does not only concern the big politicians; it entails everybody else just trying to do things as simple as renewing a passport or correcting a mistake.

 

3. Resilience and dedication to education 

 

One of the outstanding themes in the novel is in the Lekki Headmaster, is that of resilience and dedication to education. This theme shows headmaster’s commitment to quality learning despite all adversities; the headmaster’s determination to overcome obstacles to excellence, such as lack of resources and societal challenges.

He (mr Bepo) believes that education extends far beyond textbook learning into the realms of a deeper understanding of one’s culture, heritage, and the world around. For Bepo, education is not about classroom learning but rather creating worthwhile experiences outside the classroom.

This theme is seen  in Chapter 9, where Bepo organizes excursions to Erin Ijesha Waterfalls, Ikogosi Warm Springs, and Owu Waterfalls to expose students to Nigeria’s natural beauty, while visits to the National Museum and National Theatre would deepen their appreciation for history and culture. He believes that, with the emphasis on experiential learning, the students will have a growing sense of belonging to their country.

Bepo’s journey emphasizes that education, in the truest sense, is not just a preparation for examinations but a means of educating young minds through fine experiences that evoke the spirit and leave a lasting memory.

 

4. Theme of Leadership

 

The headmaster feed on actions rather than titles for the leadership in The Lekki Headmaster. He is not just a figure that runs the school; rather, he inspires students and teachers to aim higher, work harder, and believe that education has the power to change their lives.

He inspires students and teachers through tough decisions, standing up for his students and pushing for better resources, and making strong leadership decisions. His leadership indeed lies in a strong sense of responsibility, because, according to him, true leadership is not about power but about lifting others up and making a difference. Lead by example.

 

5. Sacrifices and Tough Choices

The whole book revolves around Bepo and the great sacrifices he has to make and the tough decisions he has to make. He really loves his students and colleagues at Stardom Schools, but he knows that leaving for the UK might present him with better opportunities. His journey explains how sometimes people have to let go of things they love so much to move on.

One main showpiece of this theme is in Chapter 8, where Bepo prepares to leave Nigeria. He feels a heavy burden on his shoulders because there are still many unresolved issues at Stardom. The legal battle between the families of Banky and Tosh remains unsolved, and the Invention Club’s Breath Project is still in progress. Bepo tried very hard to sort them out, but he knows that once he leaves, he will no longer control them. This moment illustrates the agony of tough decision-making; one has to put personal goals ahead of leaving some things unfinished.

In Chapter 12, Bepo is at an airport preparing to board. Farewell from colleagues evokes mixed emotions: he knows he will miss them, but leaves room for understanding that such a move may be necessary in the future. He sits on a plane and thinks about possible outcomes, then encourages himself that sacrifices are sometimes made for purposes of growth.

This theme symbolizes the reality of life. One cannot have everything, and sometimes, to achieve a dream, something valuable must be sacrificed. Bepo has learned that sometimes you have to make sacrifices to move forward, even if they hurt.

 

Lekki Headmaster: Jamb Novel (Likely Questions and Answers 2026)

 

1. Who is the author of The Lekki Headmaster?

Answer : Kabir Alabi Garba

 

2. Who is the protagonist in the novel?

Answer: Bepo

 

3. What does the “Point of No Return” depict in the novel?

Answer: The history of slavery.

 

3. What is the complete name of Bepo?

Answer: Adewale Adebepo

 

4. Which character has a strong love for Africa’s history and traditions?

Answer: Bepo

 

5. What is the predominant theme in the novel?

Answer: Leadership

 

6.Which major theme is illustrated in the conflict between Banky and Toss?

Answer: Family and politics

 

6. Which teacher was known for her humorous comments?

Answer: Mrs. Ibidun Gloss

 

7. Where is the setting of Lekki Headmaster?

Answer: The novel is set in Lekki, Lagos

 

8. How much was Bepo given in farewell gifts?

Answer: $10,000

 

9. What theme is highlighted in the visit to Badagry Slave Museum?

Answer: Memory of the past History

 

10 What theme does Bepo’s sacrifice throughout the novel speak of?

Answer: Dedication to Education

 

11. Which important historical site did the students visit in Badagry?

Answer: The Badagry Slave Museum, the “Point of No Return,” as well as other cultural monuments.

 

12. What was the project the Invention Club was handling ?

Answer: Developing a mobile phone

 

13. What caused Bepo to have a second thought about renewing his passport?

Answer: The queue and stress he would face at the immigration office

 

14. Which two students had conflict from JSS 3?

Answer: Banky and Toss

 

15. How did the colleagues of Bepo describe his impact in Stardom Schools?

Answer: Inspiration and transformation

 

16. What specific site in Badagry can be connected with the phrase “Point of No Return”?

Answer: Badagry Slave Museum

 

 

19. How is this theme of migration by Nigerians treated within the novel?

Answer: Through the motif of the “Japa Syndrome.”

 

20. Stardom Schools is located in?

Answer: Lekki

 

21. What made Bepo have second thoughts on leaving Nigeria?

Answer: His dedication to Stardom Schools and the nostalgia for his country

 

22. What does Bepo’s dream of the slave museum indicate?

Answer: His inner turmoil regarding leaving home, his consideration of Nigeria’s history, and feelings of remorse.

 

23. What are the societal problems denounced through the “Japa Syndrome”?

Answer: Mass emigration by the young Nigerians and a decline in patriotism.