Yeye Mofin of Lagos and founder of the prestigious Vivian Fowler Memorial College for Girls, Chief (Mrs.) Leila Fowler, has died at the age of 92.
Her death was confirmed on Sunday in a statement issued by the school, which she founded in 1991 in memory of her late daughter.
“It’s with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our beloved founder, Chief (Mrs.) Leila Fowler, on Saturday, September 6, 2025. Chief (Mrs.) Fowler was a true pioneer, an erudite lawyer, and a visionary educationalist who founded Vivian Fowler Memorial College for Girls in 1991. Her life was a testament to the power of empowering young women through education,” the statement read in part.
Born in Lagos on March 23, 1933, Fowler (née Moore) attended CMS Girls’ School, Lagos, and Queen of the Rosary College, Onitsha, before earning her Senior Cambridge Certificate in 1951.
She began her career as a teacher and later trained as a Nurse at St Thomas’ Hospital in London. She then studied Law at Middle Temple, where she was called to the Bar in 1962 and the Nigerian Bar a year later.
Fowler built a distinguished career in legal practice, specialising in insurance law and consultancy. She also served as a councillor in the Lagos City Council between 1978 and 1980. She was involved with the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), the Nigerian Red Cross, and the Corona Schools Trust Council.
Her enduring passion for education led her to establish Vivian Fowler Memorial College for Girls, which has since grown into one of Nigeria’s foremost all-girls schools, known for academic excellence and leadership development.
She married Professor Vidal Fowler, a surgeon and scholar, until he died in 2015. In recognition of her contributions to education and society, The then Oba of Lagoa, Adeyinka Oyekan II, honoured her with the chieftaincy title of Yeye Mofin of Lagos.
The school described her as a devout Christian, philanthropist, lover of music, and mentor, whose “guidance and motherly warmth built not just a school, but a community dedicated to excellence.”
“Her legacy of service, faith, and dedication will continue to inspire us all,” the statement added.
