JAMB Novel The Lekki Headmaster 2026: Most Expected Questions and Answers
Ace your JAMB exam with top likely questions from The Lekki Headmaster novel, plus detailed answers and explanations.
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) Use of English examination is one of the most important papers in the UTME, and every candidate is expected to prepare properly for it. One key requirement in this section is the study of a recommended novel, which is used to test candidates’ comprehension, understanding, and interpretation skills.
For the 2026 UTME, the Lekki Headmaster has been selected as the official novel that candidates are expected to read. This means that questions in the examination will be drawn directly from the events, characters, and themes in the book. Because of this, candidates need to study the novel carefully, as it carries a good number of marks in the Use of English paper and can strongly influence overall performance.
In this article, we will make preparation easier by providing a summary of the novel and also 20 likely JAMB questions and answers to help candidates understand what to expect in the examination.
Brief Summary of The Lekki Headmaster
The Lekki Headmaster is set in a modern school environment in Lekki, Lagos, where the life of a dedicated principal is explored alongside the challenges facing the Nigerian education system.
The story follows Mr. Bepo Adewale, a respected school head known for discipline, hard work, and a commitment to academic excellence. He manages a private school where both students and staff face issues such as indiscipline, parental pressure, academic dishonesty, and administrative challenges.
A major conflict in the novel is the tension between staying in Nigeria to continue his work in education and relocating abroad with his family in search of better opportunities. This decision creates emotional and professional struggles for him as he tries to balance his personal life with his responsibilities to the school.
Throughout the story, different events in the school expose wider societal issues such as corruption in education, moral decay among students, and the pressure of modern parenting. The headmaster’s leadership is constantly tested as he tries to maintain order and uphold standards in the school.
In the end, the novel presents education as a powerful tool for shaping character, while also highlighting the sacrifices and challenges faced by those who dedicate their lives to teaching and leadership.
JAMB 2026: 20 Most Likely Objective Questions From The Lekki Headmaster
Below are high-probability JAMB English questions based on The Lekki Headmaster. These are structured in a way similar to how the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) sets comprehension questions.
1. Who is the protagonist of the novel?
Answer: Mr. Adebepo Adewale (Bepo)
2. What position does Bepo hold at Stardom Schools?
Answer: He is the headmaster of the school.
3. Where is Stardom Schools located?
Answer: Lekki, Lagos State.
4. The nickname “Lekki Headmaster” is associated with which character?
Answer: Mr. Bepo Adewale.
5. What major personal issue affects Bepo in the novel?
Answer: His decision on whether to relocate to the United Kingdom or stay in Nigeria.
6. What is the main setting of the novel?
Answer: A private school environment in Lekki.
7. The novel mainly focuses on which profession?
Answer: Teaching and school administration.
8. What does Bepo represent in the novel?
Answer: Discipline, integrity, and educational leadership.
9. What major theme is highlighted through Bepo’s decision to travel abroad?
Answer: Migration (“Japa”) and its effects.
10. What type of school is Stardom Schools?
Answer: A private secondary school.
11. What is one major problem faced in the school?
Answer: Indiscipline among students and pressure from parents.
12. What does the novel suggest about education?
Answer: It should build both character and academic excellence.
13. Who pressures Bepo to relocate abroad?
Answer: His wife and family.
14. What is the tone of Bepo’s leadership style?
Answer: Strict and disciplined.
15. Which theme best describes the school environment?
Answer: Moral and social challenges in education.
16. What internal conflict does Bepo experience?
Answer: Duty to his school vs. personal/family relocation.
17. What does Lekki represent in the novel?
Answer: Wealth, privilege, and social pressure.
18. What is the role of parents in the novel?
Answer: They often influence school decisions and pressure staff.
19. Why is the novel important for JAMB candidates?
Answer: Because questions in Use of English will be set from it.
20. What is the central message of the novel?
Answer: Discipline, integrity, and education are essential for national development.
Major Themes in The Lekki Headmaster
The novel The Lekki Headmaster highlights several important themes that reflect real-life issues in education, leadership, and society. These themes are what the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) often tests indirectly in comprehension questions.
1. Education and Academic Excellence
The novel emphasizes the importance of quality education. It shows that schools are not just for passing exams but for building knowledge, discipline, and future leaders. The efforts of Mr. Bepo reflect the struggle to maintain academic standards in a modern school system.
2. Discipline and Moral Values
Discipline is a central theme in the novel. Mr. Bepo believes that without discipline, learning cannot be effective. The story shows how student behavior, rules, and corrections shape character and success in life.
3. Leadership and Responsibility
The novel explores what it means to be a good leader. Mr. Bepo’s role as headmaster shows the pressure, sacrifice, and responsibility that come with managing both staff and students in a school environment.
4. Migration and the “Japa” Syndrome
A major modern theme in the novel is the desire to leave Nigeria for better opportunities abroad. This is shown through Mr. Bepo’s personal struggle between staying in the country and relocating with his family.
5. Family vs Career Balance
The story highlights the emotional conflict between professional duty and family expectations. Mr. Bepo must choose between his responsibility to the school and his responsibility to his family.
6. Social Pressure and Expectations
The novel reflects how society, especially parents, places pressure on schools and teachers to deliver excellent results, sometimes without considering the challenges involved.
7. Moral Decay in Society
The story also exposes issues like poor behavior, lack of discipline, and declining moral values among students and in society at large.
8. Sacrifice and Commitment
Through Mr. Bepo, the novel shows that true leadership requires sacrifice, patience, and dedication, even when conditions are not favorable.
Key Points Candidates Should Remember
As you prepare for the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) Use of English examination, there are key areas in The Lekki Headmaster you must not ignore. These points will help you revise faster and perform better in the exam.
- Focus on Mr. Bepo and other key figures in the school setting. Understand their actions and responsibilities.
- Pay attention to key incidents that shape the story and the decisions made by the headmaster.
- Expect questions from themes, character actions, and moral lessons.
- Understand what the novel teaches about education, discipline, and leadership.
- Do not ignore the conflict between personal life and professional duty, as well as school-related challenges.
Study Tips for the Novel
To perform well in your UTME, it is important to study The Lekki Headmaster strategically and not just read it randomly. Here are some helpful tips:-
- Start with a clear summary before reading the full novel for a better understanding.
- Focus more on likely JAMB questions and answers instead of reading without direction.
- Revise characters and themes regularly so you can easily remember them during exams.
- Practice answering questions in a simple question-and-answer format, just like JAMB objective questions.
Conclusion
Candidates are strongly advised to study The Lekki Headmaster properly and give it the attention it deserves. Make sure you prepare early, revise consistently, and understand the important themes, characters, and events in the novel. Also, share this article with other candidates so they can also prepare effectively and avoid being left behind.
We wish you success in your UTME examination.
