By Erewunmi Peace

Chief Mrs. Leila Euphemia Apinke Fowler, the esteemed founder of the renowned Vivian Fowler Memorial College for Girls, has died. She passed away on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at the age of 92.

Her death was confirmed in a statement released by the school, which paid tribute to her as a “true pioneer, an erudite lawyer, and a visionary educationalist.”

A prominent figure in Nigerian education and society, Mrs. Fowler was a trailblazer who dedicated her life to the empowerment of women through quality education. In 1991, she established Vivian Fowler Memorial College for Girls in Ikeja, Lagos, in honor of her late daughter, Vivian.

The institution has since become one of Nigeria’s foremost all-girls schools, celebrated for its academic excellence and commitment to nurturing future leaders.
Born on March 23, 1933, in Lagos, Leila Fowler (née Moore) had a multifaceted career.

She was educated at the CMS Girls’ School in Lagos and Queen of the Rosary College, Onitsha. She initially pursued a teaching career and trained as a nurse before studying law in the UK and Nigeria. She was called to the UK Bar in 1962 and the Supreme Court of Nigeria in 1963.

Beyond her work as an educationist and a lawyer specializing in insurance law, Chief Fowler was deeply involved in public service.

She served as a councilor in the Lagos City Council and was a member of the Nigerian Bar Association and the Nigerian Red Cross. In recognition of her immense contributions, she was honored with the prestigious chieftaincy title of “Yeye Mofin of Lagos.”

The school’s statement described her legacy as one of “service, faith, and dedication” that will continue to inspire.

Chief Mrs. Leila Fowler will be remembered as a visionary leader whose work has had a profound impact on generations of young women in Nigeria.