The Lekki Headmaster: JAMB 2026 UTME Novel - Summary, Characters & Practice Questions

JAMB has confirmed The Lekki Headmaster by Kabir Alabi Garba as the Use of English reading text for the 2026 UTME. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know for your exam.

About the Novel

Title: The Lekki Headmaster
Author: Kabir Alabi Garba (Ph.D., Mass Communication, University of Lagos)
Publisher: Basmallah Communications Limited
Pages: 63 pages, 12 chapters
Setting: Lagos, Nigeria (primarily Lekki and Badagry)
Genre: Fiction, Educational Narrative

Dedication

"This book is dedicated to all teachers committed to the cause of sound education. You are truly the real builders of the nation!"

Plot Summary

The novel follows Mr. Bepo Adewale, the beloved principal of Stardom Schools in Lekki, Lagos. Known affectionately as "The Lekki Headmaster" (a nickname from his days mimicking characters from the old TV drama "Village Headmaster"), Bepo faces an agonizing decision: should he abandon his 24-year career and beloved students to join his wife Seri in the United Kingdom?

The story opens dramatically with Bepo breaking down in tears during a school assembly, unable to announce his departure. His wife, a nurse earning well in London, has been pressuring him to relocate. Throughout the novel, Bepo hears cautionary tales about Nigerian migrants — some who thrived, others who became "glorified cleaners" or faced discrimination abroad.

After an emotional farewell ceremony, Bepo boards the plane to London. However, in a powerful twist, he returns to Nigeria — choosing his students, his country, and his identity as a teacher over the allure of migration.

Chapter-by-Chapter Summary

Chapter 1: Dusk

The novel opens at Stardom Schools' morning assembly. After a student's inspiring pep talk about a trip to Jos, Principal Bepo approaches the podium but breaks down crying instead of speaking. His unprecedented emotional breakdown shocks everyone. The Vice Principal Mrs. Grace Apeh and other staff help him to his office. The MD, Mrs. Ibidun Gloss, is called. After hours of consolation, Bepo remains silent about what troubles him. The chapter introduces the school's excellent WASSCE results and the clever fee restructuring that moved 80% of students to the boarding house.

Chapter 2: The Enticement

After five days, Bepo finally reveals his dilemma: he's leaving Nigeria for the UK. His wife Seri and children Nike and Kike are already there. He has secured a teaching job in London. The chapter explains how he earned the nickname "The Lekki Headmaster" from his days at Stardom Kiddies. His colleagues find his reluctance to leave puzzling — why cry over an opportunity to earn £3,600 monthly instead of ₦400,000? Mr. Audu jokes he would "head to the airport right now" if he had such an opportunity. Bepo had planned to retire at 55 and start a business, perhaps a school or transportation venture.

Chapter 3: Migration Tales

Bepo pays attention to stories from Nigerians abroad. He learns about the hourly wage system, with some earning $150-$250 daily. Sola, a former Stardom teacher now in the UK, reassures him his situation is convenient since his wife is already settled there. She describes life in Manchester, paying £650 monthly rent, and her children enjoying free education and healthcare. But there are cautionary tales too: Jare, who cried when he realized the demands of caring for an elderly couple; Hope, whose wife abandoned him mid-studies; and the contrast between Riike (who bought two houses in Nigeria within three years) and Akindele (who returned empty-handed after 20 years due to divorce).

Chapter 4: A Case of Visa Denied

Mrs. Ignatius, a parent, calls Bepo late at night about her marital problems. Her family's relocation plans were destroyed when a DNA test revealed her daughter Favour is not her husband Ibe's biological child. Bepo reflects on the challenges of running an elite school and recalls the case of Mr. Ayesoro, a Government teacher with prominent tribal marks who frightened young Bibi Ladele. When Bibi had nightmares about "Mr. Wala," the school transferred Ayesoro to Stardom Hub to avoid losing the family's three children.

Chapter 5: Snake in the Roof

During long break, the MD Mrs. Ibidun Gloss discovers staff have been hiding their cars on a piece of land the school acquired. Fearing financial impropriety, she summons the principal and accountant. They explain that the school's cooperative society (with ₦95 million and ₦50 million in loans) enables staff to buy cars. The MD's mother, Chief Mrs. Solape Bayo, compares the cooperative's wealth to "hanging a snake in the roof" — a potential threat. New restrictions are imposed: no loans above ₦250,000 and all loans must be approved by the MD.

Chapter 6: Ade as Well as Jide COMES vs. COME

On Open Day, Mr. Guta storms out angry after seeing "Ade as well as Jide comes early" in his son's English notebook. The MD orders Fafore, the English teacher, to be sacked immediately. Bepo intervenes, explaining that Fafore is actually correct — when using "as well as," "together with," or "alongside," the singular verb is used because the clause is in the subjunctive mood. Everyone checks their smartphones and confirms Bepo and Fafore are right. Mr. Audu saves the embarrassed MD with a witty joke, and Fafore keeps his job. The chapter also reveals Bepo's own past financial struggles, including once spending tenants' electricity money and being humiliated with cassava flour by Iya Mathew.

Chapter 7: Ritualists

Bepo recalls his time at Beesway Group of Schools, where he tried unsuccessfully to convince the director to correct "Group of School" to "Group of Schools." One night at 2:30am, he witnesses the director and accomplices burying a live cow on the school premises. When Bepo confronts them, he's assaulted and threatened. The director later claims it was a "special prayer" for his late father. Bepo leaves Beesway voluntarily. He remembers Mr. Ogo, a parent who offered to perform rituals to increase enrollment at Fruitful Future — the neighborhood school Bepo once co-founded. Years later, Bepo sees on TV that Ogo murdered a woman who consulted him for fertility treatment.

Chapter 8: Missions Unaccomplished

Bepo reflects on matters he'll leave unresolved. A legal battle between two families — sparked when student Banky called his rival Tosh's father an "ex-convict" during prefect elections — has dragged on for three years. The rivalry between the boys extends to their parents, who belong to opposing political parties. Bepo also worries about the Invention Club's "Breath Project" — a phone-making initiative using recycled materials that had attracted media and government interest.

Chapter 9: Laughing Waterfalls

The chapter celebrates Nigeria's tourism potential through Stardom's excursions. Bepo has taken students to Ikogosi Warm Springs, Erin Ijesha (Olumirin) Waterfalls, Owu Waterfalls (the highest in West Africa at 120 meters), Gurara Falls, Yankari Games Reserve, the National War Museum in Umuahia, and the Hanging Lake in Ado Awaye. In Lagos, they've visited the National Theatre, Epe Fish Market, Sungbo Eredo, and contrasting areas from Banana Island to Ajegunle. Bepo tells students: "Being born in a place like this does not condemn one to a life of penury." He mentions Odion Ighalo and Victor Osimhen as examples of success from humble Lagos beginnings.

Chapter 10: Passport Pains

Bepo's expired passport needs renewal. COVID-19 and the "Japa syndrome" have created massive backlogs. He travels to Ibadan to use an agent named Tai, paying ₦100,000 instead of the official ₦70,000. The journey on the reconstructed Lagos-Ibadan Expressway takes only 50 minutes — a dramatic improvement from the two hours it took a decade earlier. Bepo observes the religious organizations along the route (RCCG, MFM, Deeper Life, NASFAT) and recalls J.P. Clark's poem about Ibadan's "brown rusted roofs." At the NIN office, network glitches delay his validation by three weeks, nearly causing him to miss his travel date.

Chapter 11: Point of No Return

Stardom holds an elaborate farewell. Wednesday features a comedic football match rigged by referee Mr. Ibe to ensure staff win 3-2. Thursday hosts a debate on whether arts or sciences have contributed more to Nigeria's development (SSS 3 wins arguing for sciences, but Bepo appreciates both sides). Friday's grand finale includes choral performances, comedy skits imitating Bepo's mannerisms ("other things being equal...", "principle" pronunciation), and cultural dances including the Badagry Canoe dance. During the dance, Bepo becomes so lost in thought about slavery that he screams "Noooo!" and must recover by praising the performance. The MD presents him with a $10,000 check — the highest Stardom has ever given a departing staff member.

Chapter 12: ...Dawn

Bepo prepares to leave. His landlord Mr. Ogunwale drives him to the airport with grandchildren Jide and Kemi (who says "You want to Japa!"). Stardom colleagues including Mrs. Apeh, Mr. Audu, Mr. Oyelana, and the accountant accompany him. At the airport, while waiting to board, Bepo dreams of being at the Heritage Slave Museum, watching slaves being whipped and loaded onto ships. A white man points at him and says "Enter!" He screams "Noooo!" and wakes to find airline staff trying to board him. The plane takes off at 10:45pm. On Monday, Stardom is somber without their principal. But suddenly — "Principoo!" — Bepo appears at the gate, grinning, arms wide open. He declares: "I am back! I am here! I didn't go! I'm not going again! My heart is here!" Students carry him on their shoulders, singing the school's victory song.

Major Characters

Mr. Bepo Adewale (The Lekki Headmaster)

The protagonist. A 51-year-old principal who has served Stardom Schools for 24 years. Physical traits: six feet two inches tall, fair-complexioned ("as fair as the yellow ant called salamo"), prominent eyes, and a powerful voice. Known for his trademark phrases: "other things being equal...", "by the way...", and correcting "principal" pronunciation to end with "-PL" not "-PA." He puts his left hand in his left pocket while speaking. Originally Catholic, he temporarily joined his wife's Pentecostal church. Deeply committed to education and his students, he ultimately chooses Nigeria over migration.

Seri Adewale

Bepo's wife, a nurse working in the UK. She pressures Bepo to relocate and uses their children Nike and Kike to convince him. Practical and persistent, she advises him to pack light and bring Nigerian food items like iru (locust beans), egusi, and dry snail.

Mrs. Ibidun Gloss (MD)

Managing Director of Stardom Schools. A University of Lagos Law graduate. Daughter of the late founder Chief David Aje. She suffers from a painful buttocks condition that forces her to take breaks from sitting. Despite her harsh exterior (threatening to fire Fafore), she deeply values Bepo and presents him with a $10,000 farewell gift. Mother is Chief Mrs. Solape Bayo, the board chairman.

Mrs. Grace Apeh

Vice Principal. The first to respond when Bepo breaks down at the assembly. She leads the farewell convoy to the airport and steps in to address students after Bepo's departure.

Mr. Audu

Fine Arts teacher and the school's comic relief. Known for his "biting humour" and clever wordplay. He called the MD "a witch and wizard rolled into one" regarding her business acumen, jokes about heading to the airport immediately if he got a visa "even if it were to Afghanistan," and saves the MD's embarrassment during the grammar controversy with his wit.

Mr. Fafore

English teacher who lives in Ifo, Ogun State. Wakes at 4am daily to reach school by 6am, where he naps before colleagues arrive. Built his own two-bedroom house despite earning only ₦175,000 monthly. Nearly fired over the "Ade as well as Jide comes" grammar dispute but vindicated when proven correct.

Sola Kareem

Former Home Economics teacher who relocated to the UK. She reassures Bepo about life abroad, describing paying £650 rent in Manchester and her children's free education and healthcare. Changed jobs three times in six months, eventually earning £200 daily.

Mr. Egi Meko

Director of Beesway Group of Schools. Refused to correct the grammatical error in the school's name ("Group of School"). Led the ritual burial of a live cow, claiming it was prayer for his late father. Represents corruption and superstition in education.

Chief Didi Ogba

Father of student Tosh. A top lawyer who spent 36 months in detention for alleged misappropriation of ₦2.5 billion. Later acquitted but ordered to refund the money. Sued the school after student Banky called him an "ex-convict."

Major Themes

1. Migration and the "Japa" Phenomenon

The novel critically examines Nigeria's brain drain. While acknowledging the legitimate reasons people migrate (better wages, education, healthcare), it questions whether leaving truly leads to fulfillment. The Point of No Return in Badagry becomes a powerful metaphor — modern voluntary migration is subtly compared to historical forced migration.

Key quote: "Africans themselves, especially Nigerians, in Japa fit, voluntarily and desperately walking into the workforce of who seemed to be the yester masters."

2. Patriotism and National Service

Bepo's choice to return represents choosing country over personal gain. The novel argues that building Nigeria requires its best talents to stay and contribute. Bepo tells students in Ajegunle: "Being born in a place like this does not condemn one to a life of penury."

3. The Noble Calling of Teaching

Teaching is portrayed as nation-building. The dedication states teachers are "truly the real builders of the nation." Despite low pay (Fafore earns ₦175,000 after 22 years as a graduate), the novel celebrates teachers' impact on society.

4. Family vs. Career/Calling

Bepo is torn between his wife's wishes and his professional fulfillment. The novel suggests true partnership should accommodate both spouses' callings, not demand one person sacrifice everything.

5. Education and Social Mobility

Stardom Schools represents quality education as a pathway to success. The novel contrasts elite private education with the struggles of teachers who cannot afford such schools for their own children.

6. Superstition vs. Hard Work

Through Mr. Ogo's rituals and the Beesway director's cow burial, the novel condemns taking shortcuts through superstition. Success comes through "experienced teachers who are well paid, an environment conducive to learning, and an inspiring curriculum."

7. Colonial Legacy and Identity

The Badagry excursion connects historical slavery to modern migration. The novel asks whether Nigerians are repeating history by rushing to serve in Western countries.

Literary Devices

Symbolism

• Point of No Return — Represents irreversible decisions, used for both historical slavery and modern migration
• The Canoe Dance — Symbolizes the journey of migration and the slaves' voyage
• Brown Rusted Roofs of Ibadan — References J.P. Clark's poem, symbolizing Nigeria's unchanged challenges
• Dusk and Dawn — Chapter titles representing Bepo's journey from despair to renewal

Irony

• The elaborate farewell becomes ironic when Bepo returns
• The "correct" grammar that nearly cost Fafore his job was actually wrong by the MD
• Teachers at elite schools cannot afford to send their own children there

Foreshadowing

• Bepo's repeated emotional breakdowns hint at his eventual decision to stay
• The dream at the airport foreshadows his rejection of migration

Flashback

The novel uses extensive flashbacks to share migration stories (Sola, Akindele, Hope, Riike) and Bepo's professional history (Beesway, Fruitful Future).

Proverbs and Sayings

• "Ile la tii kesoo r'ode" — Charity begins at home
• "Kullum ta barawo, rana daya ta mai kaya" — Every day is for the thief, one day for the owner
• "B'Onirese ofingba mo, eyi to ti fin sile 'ko le p'arun" — Even if the master carver bows out, his carvings will live on
• "Oja Oyingbo ko mo'p' enikan o wa'" — The Oyingbo market never notices when someone doesn't show up

Important Settings

• Stardom Schools, Lekki — Elite private school, the primary setting
• Badagry — Historical slave port; site of the Point of No Return, First Storey Building, and Heritage Slave Museum
• Lagos-Ibadan Expressway — Represents Nigeria's infrastructure challenges and improvements
• Ibadan — Setting for passport renewal; J.P. Clark's "brown rusted roofs"
• United Kingdom — The promised land of "japa" that Bepo ultimately rejects

Practice Questions and Answers

Section A: Plot Comprehension (15 Questions)

1. What event opens the novel?
Mr. Bepo breaks down crying at the school assembly, unable to announce his planned departure to the UK.

2. Why does Bepo want to relocate to the UK?
His wife Seri, a nurse in the UK, pressures him to join her and their children Nike and Kike.

3. How did Bepo earn the nickname "The Lekki Headmaster"?
He used to imitate characters from the old TV drama "Village Headmaster" when he was Headmaster at Stardom Kiddies.

4. What was Stardom's clever fee restructuring strategy?
They lowered boarding fees from ₦250,000 to ₦165,000, moving 80% of students to the boarding house, then raised "Excursion and Other Items" fees by ₦93,000.

5. What destroyed Mrs. Ignatius's family's relocation plans?
A DNA test during visa processing revealed her daughter Favour was not Mr. Ibe's biological child.

6. Why was Mr. Ayesoro transferred to Stardom Hub?
His prominent tribal marks frightened young student Bibi Ladele, who had nightmares about "Mr. Wala."

7. What did the MD discover about staff cars?
Staff were hiding their cars on land the school acquired, having purchased them through cooperative society loans.

8. Why did Mr. Guta demand Fafore be fired?
He saw "Ade as well as Jide comes early" in his son's notebook and thought it was grammatically incorrect.

9. Who proved that Fafore's grammar was correct?
Principal Bepo explained that with "as well as," "together with," or "alongside," the singular verb is used (subjunctive mood).

10. What did Bepo witness at Beesway that made him leave?
He witnessed the director and accomplices burying a live cow on the school premises at 2:30am.

11. What is the "Breath Project"?
An Invention Club initiative to manufacture phones using recycled panels and chips.

12. What sparked the legal battle between Banky and Tosh's families?
During prefect elections, Banky called Tosh "the son of an ex-convict."

13. How much did Bepo pay for passport renewal through the agent Tai?
₦100,000 instead of the official ₦70,000.

14. What gift did the MD present to Bepo at his farewell?
A $10,000 domiciliary cheque — the highest ever given to a departing staff member.

15. How does the novel end?
Bepo returns to Stardom on Monday morning, having never actually gone to the UK. Students carry him on their shoulders in celebration.

Section B: Character Analysis (12 Questions)

16. Describe Bepo's physical appearance.
Six feet two inches tall, fair-complexioned (compared to "salamo" — the yellow ant), prominent eyes, and a powerful voice that rarely needs a loudspeaker.

17. What are Bepo's trademark phrases?
"Other things being equal...", "by the way...", and "if you say education is too expensive, try ignorance!" He also corrects "principal" pronunciation to end with "-PL" not "-PA."

18. What medical condition affects Mrs. Ibidun Gloss?
A painful buttocks condition that causes "peppery pain" when she sits for long periods, forcing her to take secret breaks.

19. How does Mr. Audu contribute to the story?
As the comic relief, he uses wit and humor to lighten tense situations, most notably saving the MD's embarrassment during the grammar controversy.

20. What sacrifices does Mr. Fafore make to work at Stardom?
He wakes at 4am daily to travel from Ifo, Ogun State, arriving by 6am to nap before colleagues come. He built an unplastered house without a toilet to escape renting.

21. What does Sola Kareem's story reveal about life abroad?
Even with her husband still studying, she changed jobs three times in six months, eventually earning £200 daily. Her children enjoy free education and healthcare.

22. What happened to Akindele after 20 years in America?
He returned to Nigeria empty-handed after his Nigerian wife legally stripped him of everything when he was found guilty of bigamy.

23. Contrast Riike and Akindele's migration experiences.
Riike bought two houses in Ibadan within three years and invited her sisters. Akindele returned penniless after 20 years due to divorce.

24. What does Chief Didi Ogba's history reveal?
He spent 36 months in detention for alleged ₦2.5 billion misappropriation but was later acquitted (only ordered to refund the money). He sued the school over being called an "ex-convict."

25. What is ironic about teachers at Stardom?
They work at an elite school but cannot afford to send their own children there. Even with a 50% discount after 7 years, Fafore would still pay ₦250,000 per child.

26. How did Chief David Aje (the founder) evaluate Bepo?
He said "There is an essential teacher in the guy" and waited eight extra days for Bepo to resume, something uncharacteristic of the no-nonsense founder.

27. What does the landlord's grandson Jide represent?
Bepo's impact beyond school — he had been teaching Jide elocution and African history for free at weekends, showing his commitment to education extends beyond his job.

Section C: Themes and Literary Devices (12 Questions)

28. What is the significance of the title "The Lekki Headmaster"?
It emphasizes Bepo's identity and roots. The title becomes ironic as he nearly stops being the "Lekki" anything by leaving for London.

29. How does the Point of No Return function symbolically?
It connects historical forced migration (slavery) to modern voluntary migration (japa), suggesting both involve leaving one's homeland — possibly forever.

30. What does Bepo's dream at the airport symbolize?
His subconscious rejection of migration. Being commanded to "Enter!" the slave ship represents his fear of becoming part of a new kind of exodus.

31. Explain the irony in Bepo's elaborate farewell ceremony.
The school spent days celebrating his departure (football match, debate, cultural performances, $10,000 gift), but he never actually left.

32. What is the significance of "Dusk" and "Dawn" as chapter titles?
"Dusk" (Chapter 1) represents the darkness of Bepo's dilemma and near-departure. "Dawn" (Chapter 12) represents hope, renewal, and his decision to stay.

33. How does the author use proverbs to enrich the narrative?
Yoruba, Hausa, and Igbo proverbs add cultural depth. Examples: "Ile la tii kesoo r'ode" (charity begins at home), "Kullum ta barawo, rana daya ta mai kaya" (every day for the thief, one day for the owner).

34. What does the grammar controversy ("comes" vs "come") reveal about the school?
It shows how power (MD's authority) can override competence, and how teachers live in fear of arbitrary dismissal. It also demonstrates Bepo's courage in defending truth.

35. How does the novel portray ritual practices?
Negatively. Mr. Ogo's fertility scam ends in murder; the Beesway director's cow burial represents superstition over hard work. The novel advocates honest effort over shortcuts.

36. What is the significance of the Canoe dance performance?
It transports Bepo mentally to Badagry and the slave trade, triggering his emotional outburst and foreshadowing his ultimate rejection of migration.

37. How does the novel use flashback?
Extensively — to share migration stories (Sola, Akindele, Hope, Riike), Bepo's past at Beesway and Fruitful Future, and the various incidents at Stardom.

38. What literary reference does Bepo recall while in Ibadan?
J.P. Clark's poem "Ibadan" describing the city as "running splash of rust and gold...among seven hills like broken china in the sun."

39. What message does the novel convey about teaching?
Teaching is a noble calling that builds nations. Despite challenges (low pay, disrespect, elite parents), true teachers find fulfillment in their students' growth.

Section D: Vocabulary and Context (11 Questions)

40. What does "Japa" mean in Nigerian context?
Slang meaning to flee or relocate abroad, usually seeking better opportunities. Derived from Yoruba meaning "to run" or "escape."

41. What is an "Englisher" according to the novel?
A person who translates from a foreign language into English. Bepo corrects Director Meko that this is actually a real word in dictionaries.

42. What is "salamo"?
A Yoruba word for the yellow ant. Bepo jokes that these ants never bit him because his fair skin matched their color.

43. What does "A snake in the roof" mean as used by Chief Mrs. Bayo?
A hidden danger or threat. She used it to describe the cooperative society's large fund, fearing staff could rebel and start a competing school.

44. What is the "subjunctive mood" in grammar?
A grammatical mood used for hypothetical or non-factual situations. It explains why "Ade as well as Jide comes" uses the singular verb.

45. What is a "domiciliary cheque"?
A cheque drawn on a foreign currency account (like dollars), as opposed to a naira cheque.

46. What does "gbemu" mean as used in the novel?
Slang for a large amount of money. Staff calculated Seri could be earning "a whooping gbemu of more than ₦17m."

47. What is NIN?
National Identity Number — Bepo needed to validate his NIN before his passport could be processed.

48. What are "iru" and "egusi" that Seri requested?
Nigerian food items: iru is locust beans (a seasoning), egusi is melon seeds (used in soup).

49. What does "Point of No Return" historically refer to?
The spot in Badagry where enslaved Africans took their last steps on African soil before being shipped across the Atlantic.

50. What is the Sungbo Eredo?
A system of defensive ditches in Epe-Ijebu, built in 800-1000 AD in honor of the Ijebu matriarch Bilikisu Sungbo. Students visited it on excursion.

Section E: Critical Thinking (10 Questions)

51. Was Bepo's decision to return realistic? Discuss.
The decision reflects the author's message about patriotism and purpose. While some may see it as idealistic (ignoring economic realities), it represents choosing meaningful work over material gain and challenges readers to reconsider the "japa" mentality.

52. How does the novel critique Nigeria's brain drain?
Through Bepo nearly leaving his position, migration stories showing mixed outcomes, and the Badagry symbolism. It suggests brain drain weakens institutions while not guaranteeing success abroad.

53. What does the novel say about private education in Nigeria?
It's a double-edged sword: providing quality education for those who can afford it while underpaying the teachers who deliver it. The irony of teachers unable to afford their own school's fees highlights systemic inequality.

54. Evaluate the MD's leadership style.
She's business-minded but can be harsh and impulsive (nearly firing Fafore without investigation). However, she values competence (keeping Bepo, admitting her grammar error) and shows generosity ($10,000 gift).

55. How does the novel address workplace insecurity?
Through Fafore's near-sacking over correct grammar, Ayesoro's transfer due to his appearance, and Audu's comment about jobs "the wind can blow away any time." Teachers live in constant fear of arbitrary dismissal.

56. What lesson does the Beesway episode teach?
Success built on superstition and ritual is false success. True educational excellence comes through hard work, quality teaching, and ethical practices — not burying live animals.

57. How does the novel balance positive and negative views of migration?
It acknowledges benefits (Sola's children's free education, Riike's property) while showing risks (Akindele's losses, Hope's abandonment). The balance allows readers to weigh options rather than receiving propaganda.

58. What role does Nigeria's infrastructure play in the novel?
The improved Lagos-Ibadan Expressway represents progress, but NIN network failures and passport office corruption show persistent challenges that drive people to leave.

59. Why is cultural education (excursions, dances) important in the novel?
Bepo believes knowing Nigeria builds love for it. He wants students to appreciate their country before potentially leaving for foreign education, hoping the knowledge keeps them connected.

60. What is the novel's ultimate message to Nigerian youth?
"Being born in a place like this does not condemn one to a life of penury." The novel encourages young people to consider building their country rather than automatically assuming life is better abroad.

Exam Preparation Tips

1. Read the novel multiple times — focus on different aspects each time (plot, characters, themes)
2. Pay attention to character relationships and how they evolve
3. Note the proverbs and their meanings — they often appear in exams
4. Understand the historical context (slavery, Badagry) and its connection to modern themes
5. Practice explaining literary devices with specific examples
6. Discuss the novel with fellow candidates to gain different perspectives
7. Collect your hard copy during JAMB registration for reference

Additional Resources

Need a copy of the novel for offline reading? A PDF version is available for study purposes:

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