The Lekki Headmaster Chapter Eight, Summary and Likely Questions, pdf download
Lekki Headmaster Chapter 8- Missions Unaccomplished
A Legal tussle between the families of two of his pupils stood out among matters Bepo would leave unresolved as he stepped out of the country. He wished the matter did not linger. What began as a child’s play had lasted three years It seemed like a joke stretched too far; an unbelievable bitterness left to fester publicly.
The school had launched the process of choosing a new set of prefects. As usual, it would be elective. The Stardom management believed it was important to introduce the learners to the democratic culture as early as possible. Even at the primary section, the emergence of class representatives was democratic. Pupils were encouraged to indicate interest and go through the process from start to finish. They bought forms at costs that depended on the offices they were vying for. Intent forms for the positions of Head Boy and Head Girl were sold for N50,000; their deputies, N40,000; and N25,000 for all other offices that included Chapel Prefect, Health Prefect, Social Prefect, Labour Prefect and Punctuality Prefect.
After purchasing the forms, the aspirants would be screened by a panel constituted by the management. The panel comprised both academic and non-academic staff as well as two observers drawn from the school’s alumni association.
At the screening stage, Stardom sought to ensure each intending prefect was above average academically. He or she must also have a good moral history, especially in school. The aspirant must have been in the school for up to two sessions and was not expected to owe fees. The debt-free condition was golden, as far as the management was concerned. For this, Mrs. Ibidun Gloss had a witty saying: “If you want a debtor to lead fee payers, ask a tenant to lead the landlord.” It needed no explanation.
On the day the aspirants faced the five-man panel, each was expected to read out his or her Expression of Interest letter and speak to it in about three minutes. It was a way of gauging their power of communication. Once the screening hurdle was scaled, the list of candidates would be read at the assembly. This would enable the voters to know them and also raise any objections, via letters, to the panel, which, in turn, ensured it protected the identity of any petitioner. The list would be posted on the school’s main notice board for two weeks, after which the candidates would address the students at the much-anticipated Speech Day. The election was held the following day.
Stardom Schools was sure it was following a cool process. But something happened which terribly hurt the arrangement that year and eventually got the democratic tradition suspended. On Speech Day, Banky, an SSS 2 student contesting the post of Social Prefect, became so emotional that he employed arguably a vulgar language on his key opponent, Tosh, also in SSS 2. At a point, in his presentation, Banky said: “Instead of voting for the son of an ex- convict, cast your vote for me. You will never regret.”
The students cheered as he concluded the presentation, until the principal rose from the table where he sat with members of the officiating panel. He was disappointed at Banky’s choice of words: calling the father of a fellow student an ex-convict. Before Bepo could talk sense into the contestant, Tosh had stood up from his seat and began stomping out of the hall. Three teachers rushed to pacify him and bring him back, but he was resolved, resisting violently as he hasted away.
“Banky, why would you call the father of your fellow student an ex-convict? That is morally bad,” the principal reprimanded.
While a child may have all the strength to cut a tree in a forest, it’s the elderly that can tell the direction the tree would fall. The managing director of Stardom Schools found this adage most apt. Besides the fact that protest greeted Tosh’s exit-his fans calling for outright cancellation of the speech-making event until he was brought back— the rivalry between him and Banky predated the programme. It ran deeper than what played out because it involved parents of the duo.
When they -Banky and Toss- were in JSS 3, they clashed in the Best Dancer category at the end-of-year party. Both were finalists in the hip-hop category and competed fiercely for victory. So outstanding were their performances that the audience was sharply divided on who carried the day. The judges also were stunned.
Eventually, they crowned Banky on a 3-2 vote. But Tosh’s mum, who was in the crowd (like Banky’s mother too), felt slighted and complained bitterly against the decision. She and her husband later wrote an official letter, protesting that their son was robbed of victory.
The parents even threatened a lawsuit and swore they would withdraw Tosh and his younger brother. Months after, the mothers again clashed during the PTA election, where Banky’s mum beat the latter to become the treasurer. Perhaps, what escalated the rivalry was the fact that the fathers of both boys were politicians and belonged to either of the two leading and belligerent political parties – Progressives All Congress and Democratic People’s Party.
Tosh’s father, Chief Didi Ogba, was not an ex-convict. Although years back, he spent 36 months in detention, facing trial for alleged misappropriation of a N2.5 billion government contract sum. The trial dragged for five years. But he was later released while his company was ordered to refund the sum. The court ruled that he was not directly guilty of the offence.
The school initiated peace moves but Chief Ogba, also a top lawyer, insisted Banky and his parents write separate letters of apology to him and Tosh. He also insisted the letters be published conspicuously in the school magazine. Banky’s parents, however, rejected the ultimatum. First, they requested the video of their son’s alleged offensive speech, which their lawyer studied and came up with the conclusion that Banky never mentioned the name ‘Ogba’. Besides, they affirmed that Chief Ogba’s demand amounted to victimisation of their son.
Bepo was close to both families and hoped he would be able to pacify the aggrieved parties. But his moves were futile. Now, as he planned to relocate, the legal action instituted by Ogba was nearing conclusion. He believed there was still room for an out-of-court settlement, having persuaded the management to explore alternative dispute resolution.
Bepo was also upset that he would miss the Invention Club. He was particularly worried about the fate that would befall the five- year-old Breath Project — the club’s phone-making initiative, using recycled panels and chips. He was an active patron of the club, despite the fact that he was not a scientist. Bepo always argued that invention was not necessarily limited by discipline. The project had attracted media and government interest, with the school and an NGO, called Life Grid, committing funds to its development. Bepo anticipated the day his students would conclude research and production, so that the school would announce to the world that it had manufactured a phone. He feared that if he left Nigeria, the project could derail. But if it cruised to completion, Bepo swore he would do everything possible to fly in from London and be part of the launch.
Detailed Summary of Chapter Eight
In Chapter 8, titled “Missions Unaccomplished,” the narrative shifts its focus to unresolved disputes and emerging challenges that Bepo faces as he prepares to leave the country. Two main storylines intertwine in this chapter:
- A Lingering Legal Tussle:
A bitter legal dispute between the families of two pupils has escalated over a seemingly minor incident during a school event. The controversy originated when the school held elections to choose new prefects as part of its effort to instill democratic practices in its pupils—even at the primary level. Candidates purchased forms to contest various offices, with higher offices costing more. During the Speech Day, Banky—a candidate for Social Prefect in Senior Secondary School (SSS 2)—made an emotional speech in which he labeled his opponent, Tosh, as “the son of an ex-convict.” The remark, intended to sway voters, triggered an outcry when the principal reprimanded Banky for insulting a fellow student’s family. The rivalry between Banky and Tosh, however, had deeper roots. Their enmity dated back to an earlier incident in Junior Secondary School (JSS 3) involving a contested dance competition, with both sets of parents fueling the conflict. Matters worsened when Tosh’s father, Chief Didi Ogba, who had once endured a lengthy legal battle over misappropriation charges (despite his eventual exoneration on direct guilt), demanded that Banky and his family apologize publicly. Banky’s parents, insisting that their son never uttered the offending name, rejected the demand. Despite efforts by the school and mediation attempts by Bepo, the dispute spiraled into a legal battle that now threatens to conclude as Bepo is about to leave the country. - The Fate of an Innovative School Project:
Alongside the legal wrangling, Bepo is deeply invested in the school’s Invention Club and the five-year-old Breath Project—a promising initiative that seeks to build a phone using recycled components. The project has attracted both media attention and financial backing from the school and an NGO called Life Grid. Bepo worries that his departure from Nigeria might leave the project floundering and its potential unfulfilled. Yet he also dreams of rejoining the launch from abroad if the project successfully reaches completion.
Together, these storylines underscore the bitterness of unresolved disputes, the challenges of maintaining innovation in an environment fraught with external pressures, and the personal sacrifices Bepo faces as he contemplates his imminent relocation.
Characters and Their Roles
- Bepo (Senior English Teacher):
Role: The principled, thoughtful educator who finds himself caught between personal commitments and institutional disputes. In this chapter, he struggles with the emotional weight of a protracted legal conflict between two pupil families—a conflict he had hoped to resolve—and worries about the future of an innovative project he has long championed. - Banky (Pupil Contestant for Social Prefect):
Role: A passionate SSS 2 student whose provocative speech during the prefect election sparked controversy. His remark about his opponent’s family history set off a chain of events that not only deepened the rivalry with Tosh but also contributed to the current legal tussle. - Tosh (Pupil Contestant and Opponent):
Role: The other central pupil involved in the rivalry. Though less prominently featured in the speech incident, his family’s longstanding conflict with Banky’s family underpins the bitter legal dispute, with his father demanding public redress. - Chief Didi Ogba (Tosh’s Father):
Role: A prominent figure with a legal background who has himself experienced public and legal scrutiny. His insistence on receiving a formal apology from Banky’s family is both a matter of personal pride and a response to past grievances, reflecting the depth of the enmity between the two families. - Parents of Banky:
Role: They are portrayed as determined to defend their son’s honor. Their refusal to apologize—citing evidence from a video of the speech—illustrates their readiness to stand up against what they view as victimization. - School Management and the Prefect Election Panel:
Role: They design and oversee the democratic process for electing student prefects. Their procedures, including the screening of candidates based on academic performance and moral history (with an emphasis on fee payment records), are intended to instill good values but are also shown to be vulnerable to external disputes that can undermine the process. - Life Grid (NGO):
Role: An organization that supports the Invention Club’s Breath Project. Their involvement highlights the community and external support for innovative educational initiatives at the school.
Themes
- Unresolved Conflict and Its Consequences:
The legal dispute between the families of the two students, which began from a seemingly trivial matter, evolves into a long-standing bitterness with far-reaching implications. The chapter highlights how personal grievances can fester and disrupt community harmony. - The Intersection of Politics, Family, and Education:
The rivalry is deepened by the fact that the fathers of the students are active in opposing political parties. This element underscores how familial and political affiliations can spill over into school life, affecting even the democratic process of choosing student leaders. - Innovation Versus Inertia:
Bepo’s concern for the Breath Project reflects the challenges of sustaining innovative initiatives in environments where external disputes and instability can derail progress. The chapter contrasts visionary efforts with the harsh realities of unresolved institutional conflicts. - The Price of Idealism:
Bepo’s dedication to both academic integrity and innovation is tested by circumstances beyond his control. His personal sacrifice—leaving behind a project he cherishes and unresolved legal battles—demonstrates the high cost that sometimes accompanies adherence to one’s principles in a flawed system.
Figurative Expressions and Their Meanings
- “A child’s play stretched too far”
Meaning: This expression implies that what began as a trivial or innocent matter (child’s play) has been exaggerated into a serious, prolonged conflict. - “Bitterness left to fester publicly”
Meaning: Suggests that unresolved grievances have been allowed to grow and spread openly, contaminating the community atmosphere. - “If you want a debtor to lead fee payers, ask a tenant to lead the landlord”
Meaning: A witty remark that underscores the importance of financial responsibility and reliability, implying that someone in debt is not fit to manage or lead those who pay fees. - “While a child may have all the strength to cut a tree in a forest, it’s the elderly that can tell the direction the tree would fall”
Meaning: This proverb contrasts raw strength with wisdom and foresight, suggesting that while youthful energy can effect change, only experience can predict its consequences. - “Missions Unaccomplished”
Meaning: The title itself is a metaphor for endeavors that have not met their goals—be it in resolving conflicts or in realizing innovative projects—emphasizing a sense of incompletion and unfulfilled promise.
Words and Their Meanings
- Tussle:
A struggle or dispute, often implying a prolonged conflict. Here, it refers to the legal battle between the two families. - Prefect:
A student leader elected or appointed to a position of authority within the school, responsible for maintaining discipline or representing peers. - Expression of Interest Letter:
A written statement by a candidate indicating their desire and qualifications for a specific office; used in the school’s democratic process. - Alumni:
Graduates or former students of an institution. In the screening process, alumni serve as observers to ensure fairness. - Alternative Dispute Resolution:
Methods for resolving disputes outside the courtroom (e.g., mediation, negotiation), which the school management is considering to settle the conflict. - Invention Club / Breath Project:
A school initiative focused on fostering creativity and practical innovation—specifically, a project to manufacture a phone from recycled parts. - NGO (Non-Governmental Organization):
A non-profit organization involved in social, environmental, or educational causes. Here, Life Grid supports the innovative project.
25 Likely Questions and Answers
- Q: What is the primary focus of Chapter 8, “Missions Unaccomplished”?
A: The chapter centers on unresolved disputes between families of two pupils and the uncertain future of an innovative school project as Bepo prepares to leave the country. - Q: What process was the school using to elect new prefects?
A: The school held a democratic election process where students purchased intent forms, were screened by a panel (including staff and alumni observers), and then presented their Expression of Interest letters before a public election. - Q: How much did the intent forms cost for the positions of Head Boy and Head Girl?
A: N50,000 each. - Q: What qualities were required of a student to be considered for a prefect position?
A: Candidates needed to be academically above average, have a good moral history, have been in the school for at least two sessions, and be free of fee arrears. - Q: What did Banky say during his Speech Day presentation that sparked controversy?
A: He said, “Instead of voting for the son of an ex-convict, cast your vote for me. You will never regret,” referring to his opponent Tosh. - Q: How did the principal react to Banky’s comment?
A: The principal reprimanded Banky for using such language, stressing that calling a fellow pupil’s father an ex-convict was morally unacceptable. - Q: Why did Tosh leave the Speech Day hall in a fit of anger?
A: Tosh, already involved in a long-standing rivalry with Banky, was deeply hurt and offended by the remark, leading him to storm out despite attempts by teachers to calm him. - Q: What historical rivalry between Banky and Tosh contributed to the current conflict?
A: Their rivalry dated back to their days in JSS 3 when they competed in a dance competition, with a controversial decision favoring Banky that led to bitter parental grievances. - Q: Who is Chief Didi Ogba and what is his significance in the dispute?
A: Chief Didi Ogba is Tosh’s father, a prominent lawyer and politician with a checkered past. He demanded that Banky and his family apologize publicly for the remark. - Q: What was the reaction of Banky’s parents to Chief Ogba’s demand?
A: They rejected the demand, arguing that their son’s speech did not mention the name “Ogba” and that the demand was tantamount to victimizing their child. - Q: How long had the legal tussle between the two families been ongoing?
A: The dispute, which began as a minor conflict, had festered publicly for three years. - Q: What alternative did the school management consider for resolving the dispute?
A: They explored alternative dispute resolution methods (such as mediation) to settle the matter out of court. - Q: What is the Invention Club’s Breath Project?
A: It is an innovative school initiative focused on developing a phone using recycled panels and chips, which has attracted media and government interest. - Q: Which NGO has partnered with the school to support the Breath Project?
A: An NGO called Life Grid. - Q: Why is Bepo particularly worried about the Breath Project as he prepares to leave?
A: He is concerned that his departure might derail the project before it reaches fruition and that the innovative spirit of the initiative could be lost. - Q: What does the chapter’s title, “Missions Unaccomplished,” refer to?
A: It refers both to the unresolved legal conflict between the families and the uncertain future of the Breath Project—a mission that remains incomplete. - Q: How does the democratic process for choosing prefects help the school?
A: It introduces pupils to democratic values and ensures that student leaders are chosen based on merit, communication skills, and moral standing. - Q: What financial requirement must candidates meet to be eligible for the prefect positions?
A: They must be free of outstanding fee arrears, as debts disqualify them from leadership roles. - Q: What does Mrs. Ibidun Gloss’s saying, “If you want a debtor to lead fee payers, ask a tenant to lead the landlord,” imply?
A: It underscores the importance of financial responsibility and suggests that a person in debt is not fit to manage or lead those who are financially stable. - Q: In what way do family rivalries affect the school environment in this chapter?
A: The longstanding personal and political rivalries between the families of Banky and Tosh have spilled over into the school, affecting the prefect election process and creating a divisive atmosphere. - Q: How does the chapter illustrate the intersection of education and politics?
A: The involvement of the students’ parents—who are affiliated with rival political parties—and the legal battles that arise from their disputes show how political and personal interests can infiltrate the school setting. - Q: What role does the concept of “moral history” play in the prefect screening process?
A: It ensures that only students with a good reputation and behavior are considered for leadership roles, reflecting the school’s emphasis on character as well as academic performance. - Q: What broader message about unresolved conflicts is conveyed in this chapter?
A: The chapter warns that minor disputes, if left unresolved, can evolve into bitter, long-term conflicts that disrupt community harmony and tarnish the institution’s environment. - Q: How is Bepo’s personal investment in the Breath Project significant to the chapter’s themes?
A: It symbolizes the struggle to nurture innovation and progress in an environment hindered by personal grudges and bureaucratic or familial conflicts. - Q: What does Bepo’s situation in this chapter reveal about the cost of idealism in a troubled system?
A: Bepo’s inability to resolve the legal dispute and secure the future of the Breath Project illustrates the high personal and professional costs of upholding one’s principles in a setting marred by unresolved conflicts and systemic challenges.
