08/09/2025
Founder of Vivian Fowler Memorial College, Leila Fowler, Passes On at 92
Chief (Mrs.) Leila Fowler, the Yeye Mofin of Lagos and founder of the prestigious Vivian Fowler Memorial College for Girls, has passed away at the age of 92.
Her d+ath was confirmed in a statement issued by the school on Sunday. “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. Her guidance and motherly warmth built not just a school, but a community dedicated to excellence,” the statement read.
Born on March 23, 1933, in Lagos, Fowler (née Moore) attended CMS Girls’ School and Queen of the Rosary College, Onitsha. She began her career in teaching before training as a nurse at St Thomas’ Hospital in London. She later stud+ed law at Middle Temple and was called to the Bar in 1962, and to the Nigerian Bar in 1963.
Fowler specialised in insurance law and consultancy and also served in public life, including as a councillor in the Lagos City Council between 1978 and 1980. She was actively involved with the Nigerian Bar Association, the Nigerian Red Cross, and the Corona Schools Trust Council.
Her passion for education led to the founding of Vivian Fowler Memorial College for Girls in 1991, in honour of her late daughter. The school has since grown into one of Nigeria’s foremost all-girls institutions, known for academic excellence and leadership development.
Fowler was widowed in 2015 following the death of her husband, Professor Vidal Fowler. She was later honoured with the chieftaincy title of Yeye Mofin of Lagos by Oba Adeyinka Oyekan II.
Described by the school as a devout Christian, philanthropist and mentor, Fowler “will be deeply missed… Her legacy of service, faith, and dedication will continue to inspire us all.”