Summary of The Lekki Headmaster - Chapter 1: Dusk - JAMB Novels Lesson Note

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Key Events

Unexpected Breakdown of Principal:
- The principal of Stardom Schools, Mr. Bepo, shocks everyone at the morning assembly when he breaks down crying after attempting to speak.
- Vice Principal Mrs. Grace Apeh takes charge, dismisses the students, and leads Mr. Bepo to his office with the school nurse and staff.

Parent Concerns and Leadership Response:

Rumors of Mr. Bepo’s condition spread among parents, leading to calls of concern to the Vice Principal.
Mrs. Apeh contacts the Managing Director (MD), Mrs. Ibidun Gloss, who returns to the school promptly.

Attempts to Resolve the Situation:

Despite probing by staff, including Pastor Wande, the Physics teacher, Mr. Bepo remains unresponsive.
Efforts to contact his wife using an international number fail.
The MD, concerned for Mr. Bepo’s safety and the school’s reputation, arranges for him to be escorted home by the school’s guidance counselor.

Context and Background

Recent Developments at Stardom Schools:
- Boarding fees were reduced, leading to improved punctuality among students.
- A fee increase for excursions sparked gossip among staff, particularly from Mr. Audu, the Fine Arts teacher.

Routine Assembly Activities:

The assembly followed the usual format, including a speech by Ikenna Egbu, an SSS1 student, about his excursion to Jos.
Mr. Bepo was expected to commend Ikenna’s captivating speech but instead stunned the audience with his breakdown.

Institutional Highlights

Celebration of Academic Success:
- The school had recently celebrated a 90% success rate in the WASSCE. Teachers were rewarded, while two were reprimanded for underperformance.

Reputation and Leadership:

Mr. Bepo, nicknamed "The Lekki Headmaster," was highly respected for his passion for student growth and humor. His sudden emotional collapse left staff and students bewildered.

Resolution Efforts

Ensuring Safety and Reputation:
- The MD prioritizes Mr. Bepo’s safety and decides he should be accompanied home.
- Pastor Wande opposes leaving him alone, further emphasizing the gravity of the situation.

This chapter sets the stage with mystery surrounding Mr. Bepo’s breakdown while highlighting themes of leadership, responsibility, and school dynamics.