Chief Leila Fowler, Yeye Mofin of Lagos and founder of Vivian Fowler Memorial College for Girls, has died at 92, leaving behind a lasting legacy in education
Chief (Mrs.) Leila Fowler, the distinguished educationist, lawyer, and founder of the prestigious Vivian Fowler Memorial College for Girls, has passed away at the age of 92.
Fondly remembered as the Yeye Mofin of Lagos, her death was confirmed on Sunday, September 7, 2025, in an official statement issued by the school she established in 1991 in memory of her late daughter.
Born on March 23, 1933, in Lagos, Fowler (née Moore) received her early education at CMS Girls’ School in Lagos and later at Queen of the Rosary College, Onitsha.
She obtained her Senior Cambridge Certificate in 1951 before embarking on a career path that would take her across teaching, nursing, law, and ultimately into the field of education.
She began as a teacher but soon left for London, where she trained as a nurse at St Thomas’ Hospital. Her academic journey then led her to Middle Temple, where she studied Law.
She was called to the English Bar in 1962 and subsequently to the Nigerian Bar in 1963.
Fowler went on to build an accomplished legal career, specialising in insurance law and consultancy.
Beyond law, she served as a councillor in the Lagos City Council between 1978 and 1980 and was actively involved with the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), the Nigerian Red Cross, and the Corona Schools Trust Council.
Her lifelong passion, however, lay in education.
This commitment inspired her to establish Vivian Fowler Memorial College for Girls in 1991.
Under her vision and leadership, the institution quickly rose to prominence as one of Nigeria’s leading all-girls schools, nurturing young women into confident leaders and academic achievers.
In honour of her contributions to education and society, she was conferred with the prestigious title of Yeye Mofin of Lagos by the late Oba of Lagos, Adeyinka Oyekan II.
She was married to Professor Vidal Fowler, a renowned surgeon and scholar, until his death in 2015.
In its tribute, the school described her as not only a pioneering educationist and erudite lawyer but also a devout Christian, philanthropist, music enthusiast, and mentor.
“Her guidance and motherly warmth built not just a school, but a community dedicated to excellence,” the statement read.
Reflecting on her passing, the school added: “It’s with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our beloved founder, Chief (Mrs.) Leila Fowler, on Saturday, September 6, 2025.
“Her life was a testament to the power of empowering young women through education. Her legacy of service, faith, and dedication will continue to inspire us all.”
