In preparation for the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced a major change in its prescribed literature text. The board has replaced the previously used Life Changer with Lekki Headmaster, a thought-provoking novel by renowned Nigerian author Kabir Alabi Garba.  

This strategic move is part of JAMB's commitment to providing fresh, engaging, and culturally relevant materials that resonate with the experiences of Nigerian students while promoting indigenous literature.  

Set in the vibrant and fast-developing urban landscape of Lekki, Lagos, *Lekki Headmaster* tells the story of a devoted school headmaster navigating numerous challenges as he strives to uplift education and his community. The novel explores powerful themes such as leadership, education, and the impact of societal transformation, making it both captivating and educational.  

According to Oluwafunmibi Awoyale, an English Literature teacher, “JAMB’s choice reflects the board’s desire to provide students with a relatable and thought-provoking reading experience. The themes of leadership, education, and societal change, coupled with the novel’s modern setting in Lekki, offer students a meaningful and culturally relevant narrative to engage with.”  

By introducing Lekki Headmaster, JAMB aims to inspire critical thinking and foster a deeper connection with issues of urbanisation, social change, and the Nigerian educational system—preparing candidates for both academic and societal challenges ahead.