This question is based on Kabir Garba's The Lekki Headmaster. Bepo's retirement plan suggests that he was

Analyzing the question

This is a literature-in-English question on Kabir Garba's The Lekki Headmaster, a JAMB prescribed text. It asks what Bepo's retirement plan reveals about his character.

Recalling the concept

In the novel, Bepo is a teacher and later headmaster at Lekki Mixed Secondary School. He is a hardworking, principled man. Early in the story, as retirement approaches, he plans for it, preparing for life after service instead of leaving it to chance. He intends to retire to a modest life, possibly farming, and settle his family comfortably. This shows foresight and responsibility.

Working through the options

• A. An unambitious man: Planning for retirement does not show a lack of ambition. Bepo is dedicated to his work and cares about his school's progress, so this does not fit.
• B. An unreasonable man: A sensible plan for the future is the opposite of unreasonable.
• C. A vain fellow: Vanity means excessive pride in appearance or achievements. Nothing in a practical plan for retirement suggests this.
• D. A thoughtful man: Planning ahead shows he considers the future and his family's welfare. This fits.

Answer: D, a thoughtful man

Exam tip: For "what does this action suggest about the character" questions, match the action to a character trait. Planning ahead, saving, and preparing usually point to words like thoughtful, prudent, or farsighted. Eliminate the negative traits first, since they rarely fit a protagonist like Bepo.