The Lekki Headmaster by Kabir Alabi Garba is the prescribed novel for the JAMB Use of English paper (it was the set text for the 2026 UTME). It follows Mr. Bepo Adewale, a disciplined, principled school head sent to turn around a troubled school in Lekki, and deals with themes like discipline, corruption and falling standards. JAMB asks a few direct questions on characters, events, setting and themes, so read the whole book and keep notes.
The set novel is the part of Use of English where preparation pays off most directly. If you've read the book properly, those questions are close to free marks. If you haven't, they're pure guesswork.
What is The Lekki Headmaster about?
The Lekki Headmaster is a novel by Kabir Alabi Garba. It centres on Mr. Bepo Adewale, a disciplined and principled school head given the job of running a troubled school in Lekki, Lagos. Through his efforts the novel explores:
- Discipline and leadership: what it takes to turn an institution around
- Corruption and irresponsibility among adults who should know better
- Student behaviour and the pressures young people face
- Standards in education and the cost of letting them fall
JAMB introduced it as the prescribed Use of English text in place of The Life Changer, and it was the set novel for the 2026 UTME.
What kinds of novel questions does JAMB ask?
JAMB's novel questions are usually short and direct. Expect questions like:
- Characters: who did something, who said something, how two characters are related
- Events: what happened at a key moment, and in what order
- Setting: where an event took place
- Themes and lessons: what the novel says about discipline, corruption and similar ideas
- Narrative details: point of view, names of places or institutions
A two-week plan to read it properly
- Days 1–7: read the whole novel once, a few chapters a day. Don't take notes yet; just follow the story.
- Days 8–10: read again with a notebook. One page per major character: role, relationships, key actions, memorable lines.
- Day 11: build a timeline of the main events, chapter by chapter.
- Day 12: list the themes with one example from the book for each.
- Days 13–14: test yourself with novel questions, and re-read the chapters behind any you miss.
How do I remember all the characters?
Make a simple character map: put Mr. Bepo Adewale in the middle and draw lines to every other character, labelled with their relationship (staff, student, parent, official). Most character questions become easy once you can picture that map.
Don't stop at the novel
The novel is only part of Use of English. Vocabulary questions (nearest and opposite in meaning) are just as learnable. Pair your novel reading with a few words a day using our guide to JAMB synonyms and antonyms.
2Wise includes practice questions on The Lekki Headmaster in its English bank, plus a novel guide in the Premium library, so you can test yourself after each reading.
Frequently asked questions
Is The Lekki Headmaster the JAMB novel for 2027?
It was the prescribed text for the 2026 UTME and replaced The Life Changer. JAMB confirms the set text when registration opens, so check the 2027 registration notice on jamb.gov.ng, but plan to read The Lekki Headmaster.
Who wrote The Lekki Headmaster?
Kabir Alabi Garba.
Who is the main character in The Lekki Headmaster?
Mr. Bepo Adewale, a disciplined and principled school administrator posted to manage a troubled school in Lekki, Lagos.
How many questions come from the JAMB novel?
JAMB doesn't publish a fixed number, and it has varied by year. Expect a small set of direct questions in the Use of English paper. They are among the easiest marks if you have actually read the book.
Can I just read a summary of The Lekki Headmaster?
A summary helps you revise, but JAMB questions often hinge on small details: who said what, the order of events, a named place. Read the full novel once, then use notes and summaries to revise.
Last checked 22 October 2026. JAMB changes dates and rules from year to year. Always confirm on jamb.gov.ng.
Sources: TechCabal — How to register for the 2026 UTME · SchoolNGR — Which novel is JAMB using?