Summary of The Lekki Headmaster Chapter One
Detailed Summary of The Lekki Headmaster – Chapter One
The chapter opens with a sudden and unexpected event during a morning assembly at Stardom Schools in the affluent Lekki area of Lagos. The principal, Mr. Bepo Adewale, who is known for his energetic and engaging personality, behaves unusually. As he walks to the podium, his movements are described as ponderous, and he appears far from the sharp, well-composed figure he is known to be. His usual smile, which is a trademark of his morning demeanor, is absent, and his gaze is directed blankly above the students’ heads, rather than meeting their eyes as he typically would. This immediately creates an air of confusion among the gathered students and staff.
When the principal finally attempts to speak, his words falter. He is unable to form coherent sentences, and instead, tears begin to stream down his face. His sobbing becomes uncontrollable, and he shields his face with his palms, unable to regain his composure. The students and staff observe him in stunned silence, unable to understand the cause of his distress. The microphone he is holding slips from his hand and falls to the floor, producing a loud clattering sound that adds to the awkwardness of the moment.
In the midst of the growing silence, the Vice Principal, Mrs. Grace Apeh, is the first to speak, asking what is wrong with the principal. A few staff members, including the school nurse, Mrs. Titi, come to his aid, but he continues to cry uncontrollably. Despite their attempts to comfort him, the principal remains unresponsive. Mrs. Apeh orders the assembly to be concluded, directing the Chemistry teacher, Mr. Justus Anabel, to finish the ceremony and send the students to their respective classes.
Ikenna, an SSS1 student mounted the podium to narrate his experience of the school excursion to Jos, Plateaus State.
The Mystery Deepens
After the assembly is concluded, the principal is escorted to his office by Mrs. Apeh, Mrs. Titi, and Mr. Oyelana, the Christian Religious Knowledge (CRK) teacher, while still weeping. When they try to console him, he says nothing and continues to sob. More teachers arrive, but Mrs. Apeh advises them to return to their classes, except for the school’s guidance counselor, Mrs. Beke Egbin, who stays to offer support. For over 30 minutes, the principal remains emotionally overwhelmed, occasionally shaking his head and muttering unintelligibly.
Rumors begin to spread among the staff and parents, with some reports indicating that the principal is on the floor crying uncontrollably, while others hear that he is mumbling, “Oluwa gba mi” (Save me, O God!). Parents start calling the school to inquire about his well-being. The MD (Managing Director) of the school, Mrs. Ibidun Gloss, is informed of the situation and hurries to the school, though she had been scheduled to attend a different function that morning.
Background on the School’s Recent Success
The chapter contrasts the principal’s emotional crisis with the recent successes of the school. Just the day before, Stardom Schools had celebrated an outstanding achievement: over 90% of their students had passed the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE). This success was notable enough for the school to host a small celebration for the staff, complete with snacks, bottles of wine, and a bonus of N20,000 for each teacher. Teachers who had overseen subjects in which students achieved distinctions were given a larger bonus of N30,000.
Despite this celebratory atmosphere, the principal’s emotional breakdown casts a shadow over the school’s recent accomplishments. The MD reflects on how the principal has always been a central figure in maintaining order and motivation within the school, and she finds his behavior particularly troubling.
The MD’s Efforts to Help the Principal
Upon her arrival, Mrs. Gloss tries to console Mr. Adewale and get him to explain the cause of his distress. However, the principal remains elusive, only muttering repeatedly that he will be alright, despite his tears and emotional state. The MD grows increasingly concerned, questioning why the principal, a figure of stability and strength, is suddenly exhibiting such vulnerability.
At this point, the MD calls in the school’s Physics teacher, Mr. Ope Wande, who is also a pastor. Mr. Wande attempts to engage the principal in a more private conversation, speaking to him in a calming and gentle manner. He assures the principal that anything he shares will remain confidential. Despite his efforts, the principal does not open up, and after several minutes, Mr. Wande suggests that the MD contact the principal’s wife, who lives in London, to understand if personal issues might be contributing to his distress.
The MD then attempts to call the principal’s wife, but her phone rings without being answered. Mr. Wande comments that the principal may be missing his wife, implying that their separation might be affecting his mental state. However, despite the MD’s attempts to reach out, the situation remains unresolved.
Financial Details and School Dynamics
In the background of the principal’s breakdown, the chapter also provides a glimpse into the school’s financial dynamics. Recently, the school had reduced its boarding fees from N250,000 to N165,000 per session. This change resulted in a significant increase in the number of students enrolled in the boarding school, with more than 80% of parents opting to send their children to the school’s boarding facilities. This decision is described as a quick fix to the longstanding problem of students arriving late due to heavy traffic in Lagos.
However, the school had simultaneously increased the fee for ‘Excursion and Other Items’ by N93,000. The increase in fees, which was not met with much resistance from the parents, has become a subject of gossip among the staff. One teacher, Mr. Audu, humorously comments on the school’s financial maneuvers, calling the MD a “witch and wizard” for her ability to make money seem to appear from nowhere.
Conclusion
As the chapter progresses, it becomes clear that the principal’s breakdown is not just a personal crisis, but also a reflection of the pressures within the school system. The school, though successful academically, is built on the management of social dynamics, financial strategies, and the personalities of its leaders. The principal’s emotional collapse exposes the vulnerability behind the facade of success and suggests that the strain of maintaining such a high level of excellence may have taken a toll on him.
In a final note, the MD urges the principal to leave the school for the day and return home, where he can rest. She expresses concern that the situation could escalate if not handled delicately, especially since news of his behavior has already begun to spread among the parents and the larger community.
Likely Questions- Comprehension-Based Questions
- What was unusual about the principal’s behavior during the assembly?
A. He was late
B. He was silent and crying
C. He was cheerful
D. He gave a long speech
Answer: B - Who was the first staff member to assist the principal when he began crying?
A. Mrs. Apeh
B. Mr. Oyelana
C. Angel
D. Mrs. Titi
Answer: A - What did the principal do after taking the microphone from Angel?
A. He began addressing the students
B. He dropped it and cried
C. He gave it back to Angel
D. He walked off the stage
Answer: B - What action did the VP take immediately after noticing the principal’s behavior?
A. She called the MD
B. She dismissed the assembly
C. She asked Mr. Justus to dismiss the students
D. She scolded the principal
Answer: C - What was the principal’s recurring response when asked about his behavior?
A. “I will be all right”
B. “Leave me alone”
C. “It’s not your concern”
D. “Call my wife”
Answer: A - What nickname did students give to the principal?
A. Headmaster Bepo
B. Lekki Headmaster
C. Principal PL
D. Village Master
Answer: B - Who was the chapel prefect?
A. Angel
B. Ikenna Egbu
C. Mrs. Apeh
D. Mrs. Titi
Answer: A - What motivated the school to lower its boarding fees?
A. To attract more students
B. To curb lateness
C. To compete with other schools
D. To improve quality
Answer: B - What was the school’s new boarding fee?
A. N250,000
B. N165,000
C. N93,000
D. N200,000
Answer: B - What humorous term did Mr. Audu use to describe the MD’s business skill?
A. Economics witch
B. A wizard in disguise
C. A witch and wizard rolled into one
D. A mastermind
Answer: C - What was unique about Jos, according to Ikenna?
A. Its beautiful weather and rocks
B. Its colonial history
C. Its violent past
D. Its cultural heritage
Answer: A - Who gave the pep talk during the assembly?
A. Angel
B. Ikenna Egbu
C. Mr. Justus
D. Mrs. Titi
Answer: B - Which teacher was a pastor?
A. Mr. Justus Anabel
B. Mr. Oyelana
C. Mr. Ope Wande
D. Mr. Audu
Answer: C - What subjects had teachers whose students scored Ds?
A. Chemistry and Geography
B. Physics and CRK
C. Biology and English
D. Fine Arts and Mathematics
Answer: A - Why was the MD hesitant about letting the principal go home alone?
A. He might not return
B. He was too distraught
C. It would raise suspicion
D. He refused to leave
Answer: B - What was the school’s policy for teachers whose students scored F9 in WASSCE?
A. They would be sacked
B. They would be transferred
C. They would receive training
D. They would be fined
Answer: A - What did the principal frequently correct students about?
A. Their grammar
B. The pronunciation of “principal”
C. Their behavior
D. The school anthem
Answer: B - What did the MD refer to the school as in her thoughts?
A. A place of excellence
B. A rehabilitation center
C. A business venture
D. A center for education
Answer: C - What event did the school recently celebrate?
A. High attendance rates
B. Excellent WASSCE results
C. New boarding facilities
D. Jos excursion success
Answer: B - What did Ikenna describe as “acrobatic beauty”?
A. The rocks of Jos
B. The Shere Hills
C. The Lamingo Dam
D. The weather in Jos
Answer: A - How long had the principal been with Stardom Schools?
A. 24 years
B. 20 years
C. 15 years
D. 30 years
Answer: A - What day of the week did the event in the chapter occur?
A. Monday
B. Tuesday
C. Wednesday
D. Thursday
Answer: B - What prayer is recited during Tuesday assemblies?
A. National Anthem (First Stanza)
B. National Anthem (Second Stanza)
C. School Anthem
D. None of the above
Answer: B - What caused anxiety for the MD during the morning?
A. The principal’s behavior
B. Late arrival of students
C. Poor WASSCE results
D. Parents’ complaints
Answer: A - What was the principal’s wife’s location?
A. Canada
B. Lagos
C. London
D. Jos
Answer: C - How did the principal respond when asked for his wife’s phone number?
A. He refused to give it
B. He dictated it
C. He wrote it on a card
D. He ignored the request
Answer: C - What was Ikenna’s field of study?
A. Science
B. Arts
C. Social Science
D. Commercial
Answer: A - What did the school surprise SSS 3 teachers with?
A. N20,000 each
B. N30,000 for distinction subjects
C. Snacks and wine
D. All of the above
Answer: D - Why did parents move their children to the boarding house?
A. It was more comfortable
B. To avoid traffic
C. Fees were reduced
D. Both B and C
Answer: D - What did Ikenna compare Jos to?
A. New York
B. London
C. Canada
D. Both A and B
Answer: D
Critical Thinking and Contextual Analysis
- Why did the MD initially hesitate to call the principal’s wife?
A. The number was international
B. She was upset
C. She thought it was unnecessary
D. The principal refused
Answer: A - What role did Pastor Wande play in the chapter?
A. He scolded the principal
B. He consoled the principal
C. He dismissed the students
D. He suggested calling the principal’s wife
Answer: D - What motivated Ikenna’s desire to return to Jos in the future?
A. Its beauty and weather
B. Its educational institutions
C. Its rocks and tourism sites
D. Both A and C
Answer: D - How did the school ensure better attendance at assemblies?
A. They hired new staff
B. They reduced boarding fees
C. They rewarded punctual students
D. They implemented penalties
Answer: B - What was the principal’s most striking physical reaction during the assembly?
A. He fainted
B. He sobbed uncontrollably
C. He yelled
D. He walked away
Answer: B
Additional Questions (36-50)
- How did parents learn about the principal’s behavior?
Answer: Through phone calls. - What caused the MD to come to school that morning?
Answer: The VP’s alarm about the principal’s behavior. - What prevented the MD from being in school earlier?
Answer: She attended a function. - Who narrated their Jos excursion experience?
Answer: Ikenna Egbu. - What is one reason Jos remains a tourist attraction, according to Ikenna?
Answer: Its weather and acrobatic rocks. - What was the reaction to Ikenna’s pep talk?
Answer: Cheers and applause. - Why did the MD describe the principal as central to the school?
Answer: He was a source of inspiration and stability. - What was the principal muttering in his office?
Answer: “Thank you. I will be all right.” - Who dismissed the assembly after the principal’s breakdown?
Answer: Mr. Justus Anabel. - What had delayed the WASSCE celebration event?
Answer: Management’s indecision on star prizes. - What year level was Ikenna Egbu in?
Answer: SSS 1. - What did the MD prioritize during the principal’s breakdown?
Answer: Moving the drama out of the school. - What subject did Mr. Oyelana teach?
Answer: CRK. - What was the guidance counselor’s name?
Answer: Mrs. Beke Egbin. - What was the students’ nickname for the principal based on his grammar correction?
Answer: Principol.
