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 issued by the school on Sunday.
Fowler, who established the college in 1991 in memory of her late daughter, was described as a visionary leader and pioneer in girls’ education.
“It’s with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our beloved founder, Chief (Mrs.) Leila Fowler, on Saturday, September 6, 2025,” the school said.
“Her life was a testament to the power of empowering young women through education. Her guidance and motherly warmth built not just a school, but a community dedicated to excellence.”
Born in Lagos on March 23, 1933, Fowler (née Moore) attended CMS Girls’ School, Lagos, and Queen of the Rosary College, Onitsha, where she earned her Senior Cambridge Certificate in 1951.
She later trained as a nurse at St Thomas’ Hospital, London, before studying Law at Middle Temple, where she was called to the Bar in 1962.
She returned to Nigeria and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1963.
Fowler practiced Law with a focus on insurance and consultancy, and she also served as a Councillor in the Lagos City Council (1978–1980).
Her wide-ranging public service included contributions to the Nigerian Bar Association, the Nigerian Red Cross, and the Corona Schools Trust Council.
Her enduring legacy, however, was the founding of Vivian Fowler Memorial College for Girls, which has grown into one of Nigeria’s leading all-girls schools, known for academic excellence and leadership development.
Fowler was honoured with the title of Yeye Mofin of Lagos by Oba Adeyinka Oyekan II in recognition of her contributions to society.
She was widowed in 2015 after the death of her husband, Professor Vidal Fowler, a surgeon and scholar.
The school’s tribute described her as a devout Christian, philanthropist, music lover, and mentor, noting that she “will be deeply missed” and that “her legacy of service, faith, and dedication will continue to inspire us all.”
