Chief (Mrs.) Leila Fowler, founder of the prestigious Vivian Fowler Memorial College for Girls in Lagos, has died at the age of 92.
Her passing was announced on Sunday in a statement issued by the school, which she established in 1991 in memory of her late daughter. “Chief (Mrs.) Leila Fowler was a pioneer, a legal luminary, and a visionary educationist. Her life was dedicated to the empowerment of young women through quality education,” the statement read.
Born in Lagos on March 23, 1933, as Leila Moore, she attended CMS Girls’ School in Lagos and Queen of the Rosary College, Onitsha, before earning her Senior Cambridge Certificate in 1951. She began her career as a teacher before training as a nurse at St Thomas’ Hospital in London. Her academic pursuit later took her to Middle Temple, where she studied law and was called to the Bar in 1962. She was admitted to the Nigerian Bar a year later.
Fowler distinguished herself in the legal profession, specialising in insurance law and consultancy. She also served as a councillor at the Lagos City Council between 1978 and 1980 and was actively engaged with the Nigerian Bar Association, the Nigerian Red Cross, and the Corona Schools Trust Council.
Her enduring passion for education led her to establish the Vivian Fowler Memorial College for Girls, which has grown to become one of Nigeria’s foremost all-girls schools, celebrated for its academic excellence and leadership development.
She was married to the late Professor Vidal Fowler, a renowned surgeon and scholar, until he died in 2015. In recognition of her contributions to education and public service, the late Oba of Lagos, Adeyinka Oyekan II, honoured her with a chieftaincy title.
Described by her school community as a devout Christian, philanthropist, music lover and mentor, Chief Fowler was said to have built not just a school but a lasting community of excellence. “Her legacy of service, faith, and dedication will continue to inspire us all,” the school added.
