This question is based on Kabir Garba's The Lekki Headmaster. The stories of Nigerian migrants such as Sola…

Analyze the question: This is a literature-in-English question on Kabir Garba's The Lekki Headmaster. It asks what the experiences of migrants (Sola, Hope, Riike, Akindele) who have "japa'd" (left Nigeria) show about life abroad.

Concept: The novel treats the japa phenomenon, the mass emigration of Nigerians in search of better opportunities. It does not present migration as a simple escape to paradise. The characters who leave meet hardship: loneliness, loss of status, menial jobs, cultural alienation, financial pressure and broken relationships. The theme is that the "greener pasture" abroad has its own struggles.

Step-by-step evaluation of the options:

• A. It is the final goodbye to Nigeria. Not the lesson of these stories. Many migrants stay connected to home, and the theme is about the hardships they face, not permanent farewell.
• B. Those still in Nigeria are wasting their time. The novel does not make this argument. It shows that leaving is no guarantee of success.
• C. Life is not a bed of roses. This fits. The migrants' stories show that going abroad does not remove difficulties; it only changes them.
• D. There is no cause for alarm. This contradicts the stories, which highlight the struggles and risks of migration.

Exam tip: In JAMB literature questions, look for the novel's central theme. Options that are absolute ("final goodbye," "wasting their time," "no cause for alarm") are usually wrong, while balanced, realistic statements like "life is not a bed of roses" usually reflect the author's message.