Ahead of the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced a significant change in the examination’s reading text.
The board has replaced the previous “Life Changer” text with “Lekki Headmaster,” a novel by Nigerian author Kabir Alabi Garba.
The decision to change the reading text is part of JAMB’s ongoing efforts to introduce fresh and engaging materials that resonate with the experiences of Nigerian students while promoting national literature.
“Lekki Headmaster” is a captivating narrative set in the urban landscape of Lekki, Lagos. The story follows the journey of a dedicated school headmaster who faces numerous challenges in his efforts to improve education and uplift the community.
Themes such as leadership, education, and the impact of societal change are explored, making the novel not only engaging but also thought-provoking for students. The novel’s setting in a fast-developing area of Lagos allows readers to connect with the issues of urbanisation, social change, and the Nigerian educational system in a meaningful way.
“JAMB’s choice reflects the board’s desire to provide students with a relatable and thought-provoking reading experience, one that addresses themes of leadership, education, and societal change. The novel’s setting in Lekki, a rapidly developing area in Lagos, adds a modern context that students can connect with, making it both educational and culturally relevant.” Oluwafunmibi Awoyale, English Literature Teacher.
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