Summary of The Lekki Headmaster: Chapter 9 - Laughing Waterfalls - JAMB Novels Lesson Note

• Excursions to Promote National Awareness
  • Mr. Bepo ensures yearly excursions to give students a deeper understanding of Nigeria before they travel abroad.
  • Students visited notable sites like:
    • Waterfalls: Ikogosi Warm Springs, Erin Ijesha Waterfalls, Owu Waterfalls (highest in West Africa), Gurara Falls, and plans for other waterfalls like Kwa Falls and Aesop in Plateau.
    • Historical and Cultural Sites: Yakari Games Reserve, National War Museum, Hanging Lake in Ado Awaye, Kano Palace, and Ooni of Ife Palace.
    • Lagos Landmarks: National Theatre, National Museum, MUSON Centre, and City Mall.
• Exposure to Festivals and Reality Checks
  • Attended festivals such as the Calabar Carnival, Osun Osogbo Festival, Argungu Festival, and Ofala Festival.
  • Visits to areas like Mushin, Ajegunle, and Ijora prompted reactions of derision from students.
  • Mr. Bepo used the opportunity to inspire students, emphasizing education, talent, and determination as keys to upward mobility, regardless of starting points.
• Visit to Badagry and Reflection on Slave Trade
  • Students learned about the history of the slave trade and missionary activities in Badagry, including a visit to the Akran of Badagry and the Black Heritage Museum.
  • The Akran confirmed that “Badagry” originated from the name Agbadarigi.
  • Mr. Bepo was deeply moved by the history of slavery and highlighted the irony of modern Africans willingly emigrating to former colonial nations, likening it to a form of "new slavery."

This chapter showcases the educational value of excursions while addressing themes of history, culture, and socioeconomic mobility.