Nigeria has lost one of its most distinguished educationists, Chief (Mrs.) Leila Fowler, the founder of the prestigious Vivian Fowler Memorial College for Girls, who died on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at the age of 92.
Her passing was confirmed in a statement issued by the school on Sunday, describing her as a “true pioneer, erudite lawyer, and visionary educationist.”
Born with a passion for learning and service, Fowler began her career as a teacher before training as a nurse at St Thomas’ Hospital in London. She later pursued law at Middle Temple, where she was called to the Bar in 1962, before returning to Nigeria to be called to the Nigerian Bar in 1963.
She went on to build a distinguished career in legal practice, specialising in insurance law and consultancy, while also contributing actively to public service as a councillor in the Lagos City Council between 1978 and 1980. Her civic engagements included active roles in the Nigerian Bar Association, the Nigerian Red Cross, and the Corona Schools Trust Council.
In 1991, Fowler founded Vivian Fowler Memorial College for Girls, named in honour of her late daughter. The school has since become a beacon of academic excellence, empowering generations of young women with leadership training and a culture of discipline and achievement.
Fowler, honoured with the chieftaincy title of Yeye Mofin of Lagos by Oba Adeyinka Oyekan II, was also known as a devout Christian, philanthropist, mentor, and lover of music.
She was widowed in 2015 following the death of her husband, Professor Vidal Fowler, a distinguished surgeon and scholar.
Paying tribute, the school described her as a woman whose “legacy of service, faith, and dedication will continue to inspire us all.”
