Leila Fowler, Founder Of Vivian Fowler Memorial College For Girls, Dies At 92

Chief (Mrs.) Leila Fowler, the Yeye Mofin of Lagos and founder of the prestigious Vivian Fowler Memorial College for Girls, has died at the age of 92.

Her passing was confirmed in a statement released by the school on Sunday, September 7, 2025. The statement described her as “a true pioneer, an erudite lawyer, and a visionary educationalist” whose life’s work was dedicated to empowering young women through education.

Born Leila Moore in Lagos on March 23, 1933, Fowler received her early education at CMS Girls’ School, Lagos, and Queen of the Rosary College, Onitsha, where she obtained her Senior Cambridge Certificate in 1951. She initially trained as a teacher before pursuing nursing at St Thomas’ Hospital in London. Her academic journey later led her to law at Middle Temple, where she was called to the English Bar in 1962 and to the Nigerian Bar in 1963.

Fowler went on to build a distinguished legal career, specialising in insurance law and consultancy. Beyond her professional practice, she contributed to public service as a councillor in the Lagos City Council (1978–1980) and was actively engaged with the Nigerian Bar Association, the Nigerian Red Cross, and the Corona Schools Trust Council.

In 1991, she established the Vivian Fowler Memorial College for Girls in memory of her late daughter. The school has since become one of Nigeria’s foremost institutions for girls’ education, celebrated for its academic excellence, leadership training, and commitment to shaping future female leaders.

She was widowed in 2015 after the death of her husband, Professor Vidal Fowler, a respected surgeon and academic. In recognition of her contributions, she was honoured with the chieftaincy title of Yeye Mofin of Lagos by Oba Adeyinka Oyekan II.

The school’s tribute praised her as a devout Christian, philanthropist, lover of music, and mentor whose motherly warmth extended far beyond the classroom. “Her guidance built not just a school, but a community dedicated to excellence. She will be deeply missed. Her legacy of service, faith, and dedication will continue to inspire us all,” the statement read.