Book Review: The Lekki Headmaster by Kabir Alabi Garba

The way Kabir Alabi Garba wrote was refreshingly novel to me. The Lekki Headmaster is a concise, no-fluff narrative. It is one book that hits the spot without the usual dilly-dallying that may come with the conventional “SHOW, DON’T TELL.”

It tells an inspiring and reorienting story of Mr. Bepo, the headmaster of a big school in Lagos, who is on the verge of leaving the country. Presented simply, yet layered with hard facts about the harsh realities of Japa, it is clear that the story aims to achieve one thing: let readers see Japa for what it is, clear the fog while highlighting the benefits.

Given how clearly the author painted Mr. Bepo, the main character, by the end of this book, you would know and share in his thoughts and struggles intimately.

The Lekki Headmaster is a farewell story is enlivened with wise aphorisms adapted from different ethnic groups in Nigeria to drive home a lesson. Garba did a thing with history, juxtaposing Bepo’s imminent migration with Nigeria’s slave trade history.

He wrote:

“Africans themselves, especially Nigerians, in Japa fit, voluntarily and desperately walking into the workforce of who seemed to be the yestermasters. The new slavery, as he saw it, was what many were now dying to be part of. They were having sleepless nights, praying and fasting to get visas. They were selling all they had to pay fare. They were abandoning families, schools, work, businesses, and professions they built over the years just to escape the harsh environment at home and collect high-valued dollars, pounds, and euros abroad. In the process, many took up all the oddest jobs and became the ever-weeping race, accursedly rushing into enslavement after centuries of the Trans-Atlantic trade. The sentiment and resentment swelled through Bepo as he pictured himself also on the streets of Europe.”

His work as a teacher-turned-headmaster was everything to him, so leaving his students was an absolute NO-NO.

“FOR HE GAVE STARDOM HIS VERY BEST.” Mr. Bepo’s story proved that the reward of every great teacher is not only in heaven.

Despite Nigeria’s many problems, Garba has found a way to showcase the beauty of Nigeria, encouraging patriotism in a gentle manner. To do this, he employs a few sarcasm and a whole lot of soul and laughter scattered throughout the book. You cannot read this book without grinning heartily—if not for anybody, then for Mr. Audu, the “waggest” of all the teachers at Stardom Schools.

Ibadan, with its iconic brown, rusted rooftops, is home to many Nigerian firsts—the first university, the first broadcasting station, and more. Ogun State hosts possibly the highest number of universities in Nigeria. Of the country’s many waterfalls, Owu Waterfall in Kwara State stands tallest. Badagry is home to historical monuments. Ikogosi Warm Spring is a wonder with an interesting discovery story. Victor Osimhen grew up in the low ends of Lagos. Yankari Game Reserve is in Bauchi. The National War Museum is in Abia State. Festivals—Calabar, Osun-Osogbo and Argungu. Dances—Bata, Atilogwu, Koroso, and Canoe. Bepo carries lingering memories of his students.

His heart remains tied to his students and his beloved country. Pressured by his wife and kids abroad, Bepo clearly does not want to Japa. But, the Lekki Headmaster is not left with much choice.