Chief Mrs Leila Fowler, Founder of Vivian Fowler Memorial College, Dies at 91
Kehinde Adeleye
Chief Mrs Leila Euphemia Apinke Fowler, the distinguished Yeye Mofin of Lagos and founder of the renowned Vivian Fowler Memorial College for Girls, has passed away.
Her death was confirmed by Bashorun J.K. Randle, who informed journalists that she died on Saturday morning at the age of 91.
Born on 23 March 1933 in Lagos, Chief Fowler (née Moore) lived an extraordinary life defined by resilience, service, and remarkable achievements across diverse fields.
She began her early education at CMS Girls’ School, Lagos, before proceeding to Queen of the Rosary College, Onitsha, where she obtained her Senior Cambridge Certificate in 1951.
Her professional journey started in teaching, after which she pursued nursing at the prestigious St Thomas’ Hospital, London. Her ambition later led her to study law at Middle Temple, where she was called to the Bar in 1962. She returned to Nigeria the following year and was admitted to the Nigerian Bar in 1963.
Chief Fowler practised law both within established chambers and through her own firm, focusing on insurance law and consultancy. Her passion for public service was evident during her tenure as a councillor in the Lagos City Council between 1978 and 1980. She also played active roles in the Nigerian Bar Association, the Nigerian Red Cross, and the Corona Schools Trust Council.
In 1991, she founded the Vivian Fowler Memorial College for Girls in honour of her late daughter. The school has since become one of Nigeria’s most respected all-girls institutions, celebrated for its academic excellence and dedication to nurturing future leaders.
In recognition of her outstanding contributions to education and society, she was conferred with the chieftaincy title of Yeye Mofin of Lagos by Oba Adeyinka Oyekan II.
Fondly described as a “silent achiever,” Chief Fowler leaves behind a lasting legacy that spans nursing, law, politics, and education, inspiring generations through her values, achievements, and lifelong commitment to service.
