On September 6, 2025, Nigeria lost a remarkable figure, Chief Mrs. Leila Euphemia Apinke Fowler, who passed away at 92. Known as the Yeye Mofin of Lagos, her death left a void in the hearts of many across the nation. Bashorun J.K. Randle confirmed her passing, marking the end of an era for a woman whose life was a testament to resilience, service, and empowerment. Leila Fowler’s contributions spanned education, law, nursing, and public service, making her a revered icon whose legacy continues to inspire.
Born on March 23, 1933, in Lagos, Leila Fowler, née Moore, grew up in a city pulsating with cultural and economic vibrancy. Her early education at CMS Girls’ School in Lagos laid a strong foundation for her intellectual curiosity. She later attended Queen of the Rosary College in Onitsha, earning her Senior Cambridge Certificate in 1951. This period was a transformative one for Nigeria, as the nation edged toward independence, and Fowler’s early years reflected the ambition and adaptability that would define her life.
Her career began in teaching, a role that showcased her passion for shaping young minds. However, her drive for impact led her to pursue nursing at St Thomas’ Hospital in London, where she trained as a State Registered Nurse and State Certified Midwife. Returning to Nigeria in the 1950s, she worked at Lagos General Hospital, focusing on maternal and child health during a time when healthcare infrastructure was limited. Her efforts saved countless lives, earning her respect as a compassionate and skilled professional in a field critical to Nigeria’s development.
Not content to remain in one domain, Fowler’s ambition took her to the legal profession. In 1962, she was called to the Bar at Middle Temple in London, a significant achievement that placed her among the pioneering Nigerian women in law. She returned to Nigeria in 1963, joining the Nigerian Bar and establishing herself as a barrister specializing in insurance law. Her legal practice thrived, and she later founded her own firm, demonstrating her entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to excellence.
Fowler’s contributions extended beyond her professional achievements. From 1978 to 1980, she served as a councillor in the Lagos City Council, advocating for women’s rights and improved education. Her political involvement during Nigeria’s military era was bold, as she pushed for policies to enhance maternal healthcare and educational access. Her nursing background informed her advocacy, making her a unique voice in governance, particularly in addressing healthcare challenges for mothers and children.
Her most enduring legacy, however, lies in education. In 1991, at the age of 58, Fowler founded the Vivian Fowler Memorial College for Girls in Ikeja, Lagos, in memory of her late daughter, Vivian. The institution was born out of personal loss but became a beacon of hope for countless young women. At a time when female literacy rates in Nigeria were low, Fowler’s vision was revolutionary. The college emphasized academic rigor, leadership, and STEM education, challenging stereotypes that confined girls to traditional roles. Her mantra, “Educate a girl, and you empower a nation,” became a guiding principle, reflected in the school’s curriculum that balanced academics with practical skills like public speaking and entrepreneurship.
Under Fowler’s leadership, Vivian Fowler Memorial College grew into one of Nigeria’s premier all-girls schools. Its graduates have excelled in fields such as medicine, law, technology, and business, attributing their success to the confidence and resilience instilled by the school’s ethos. Fowler’s commitment to empowering women through education reshaped the landscape of girls’ schooling, setting a model that influenced institutions in states like Ogun and Oyo. Her work aligned with Nigeria’s broader goals of human development, echoing initiatives like Vision 20:2020, which aimed to elevate education and gender equity.
Beyond the classroom, Fowler was a mentor to many. Her home in Ikeja became a hub for intellectual and political discussions, where she quietly nurtured young women leaders. She supported scholarships for underprivileged girls through organizations like the Nigerian Women Trust Fund, ensuring access to education for those who couldn’t afford it. Her nursing roots also fueled her advocacy for better healthcare, particularly in midwifery training, which she saw as vital to reducing maternal mortality in Lagos.
Politically, Fowler was a subtle but powerful influence. After her time in the Lagos City Council, she remained a trusted advisor to governors, from Lateef Jakande to Babatunde Fashola. Her ability to bridge Yoruba traditions with modern governance made her a respected figure in Lagos’s political circles. She was involved with the Action Group and later the People’s Democratic Party, influencing policies on city planning and women’s empowerment. As the mother of Babatunde Fowler, former chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, she played a behind-the-scenes role in ensuring ethical governance in his tax reforms.
Her contributions earned her numerous accolades. In 2001, she was awarded the Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) for her work in education and public service. The title of Yeye Mofin of Lagos, bestowed by Oba Adeyinka Oyekan II, recognized her as a cultural and community leader. The title, meaning “Mother of the Chief of Staff,” symbolized her role as a wise protector of Lagos’s heritage, a rare honor for a woman. She carried this responsibility with grace, often seen in elegant traditional attire at community events, advising on matters of cultural and social significance.
Fowler’s influence reached beyond Nigeria. The British Council recognized her contributions to education, and she received honorary doctorates from universities in Nigeria and the UK for her innovative approaches to girls’ education. Her work helped position Lagos as a hub of progressive education, easing ethnic tensions in a diverse city through her inclusive vision. The Vivian Fowler Memorial College became a symbol of excellence, shaping women who have become leaders in Lagos’s vibrant social and economic spheres.
Nationally, Fowler’s impact was profound. In the 1990s, when secondary school attendance for girls was around 50%, her college set a standard for academic excellence and leadership training. Her advocacy for affirmative action paved the way for women in high-level roles, with many of her mentees becoming judges, ministers, and influential professionals. She also preserved Yoruba culture through her role as Yeye Mofin, promoting unity in a nation often divided by ethnic and regional differences. Her ideas resonated with the philosophies of leaders like Obafemi Awolowo, emphasizing education as a tool for national progress.
The news of her passing prompted an outpouring of grief. President Bola Tinubu described her as a “pillar of progress,” highlighting her role in transforming education. Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu echoed this sentiment, noting her contributions to the state’s development. The Vivian Fowler Memorial College issued a statement mourning their founder, emphasizing her vision of empowering young women through education and her motherly warmth that built a community of excellence.
Fowler’s legacy endures through the institutions she built and the lives she touched. Plans are underway to expand Vivian Fowler Memorial College into a university, a fitting tribute to her vision. Her work continues to challenge Nigeria’s gender gaps, particularly in STEM, where women remain underrepresented, as noted by UNESCO. As Yeye Mofin, her wisdom will guide future generations, with successors carrying forward her commitment to community and progress.
Nigeria mourns not just a woman, but a trailblazer who balanced tradition, career, and service with quiet strength. Leila Fowler’s life was a masterclass in breaking barriers, and her light will continue to shine through the women she empowered and the nation she helped build. Rest in peace, Mama Fowler.