Founder of the famous Vivian Fowler Memorial College for Girls, Lagos, Chief Mrs Leila Euphemia Apinke Fowler, died on Saturday at age 91.
Her death was confirmed on Sunday in a statement by the school, which she established in 1991 in honour of her late daughter.
“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 partly read.
The distinguished Yeye Mofin of Lagos was born on March 23, 1933, in Lagos. Chief Mrs. Fowler (née Moore) lived a life defined by resilience, service, and groundbreaking achievements across multiple fields.
She received 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 career began in teaching, but she later pursued nursing in London at the prestigious St Thomas’ Hospital. Driven by ambition and determination, she transitioned to law, studying at Middle Temple, where she was called to the Bar in 1962. She returned to Nigeria the following year and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1963.
Long before she founded Vivian Fowler Memorial College, Leila Fowler practiced law both with established chambers and through her own firm, specialising in insurance law and consultancy. Her dedication to public service was evident in her role as a councillor in the Lagos City Council between 1978 and 1980. She was also deeply involved with 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 institution has since grown into one of Nigeria’s foremost all-girls schools, renowned for its culture of academic excellence and commitment to raising future leaders.
In recognition of her immense contributions to education and society, she was honoured with the prestigious chieftaincy title of Yeye Mofin of Lagos by Oba Adeyinka Oyekan II.
Celebrated as a “silent achiever,” Chief Fowler left an enduring legacy that spanned nursing, law, politics, and education, inspiring generations through her work and values.
Chief Mrs. Leila Fowler lived an extraordinary life of service and impact — from law to education, she left a legacy that will inspire generations. May her soul rest in peace.