26 May 2000

Former storyteller of Royal Court of Nigeria launches book

After attending one of Dundee University's creative writing continuing education classes almost two years ago, mature student Ian Thomson is to return to University to launch the first of his publications "Big Brother, Little Sister".

Now based in Angus and working as Building and Services Manager for NTL, Ian was once more commonly known as Papa Oyibo - The Elder who is a White Man, a title he received from the Yoruba people when he worked as a storyteller in the Royal Court of Nigeria.

An engineer by profession Ian, at the age of 51, decided to embark upon one of Dundee University's continuing education programmes with the object of achieving a published work in the field of children's illustrated stories. Since then he has never looked back and with the book already successfully launched in the States he now returns to the University to give the book its UK launch and to thank all those who supported him during its creation.

Ian explained: "The class was for me an opening of a new door, an introduction to the world of literature...the English language...and the craft of the writer. Our class tutor, Ester Reid, was so successful in her presentation of the writing concepts that I was able, with the support of the class and her guidance, to write a viable children's story and have it accepted for publication during the second term. It is only through the work of the continuing education department, the skill of its tutors and the support of my class mates that I was able to complete my project to publish a book. But I really learned much more - I learned that it is never too late to open the gift of knowledge and, in it's light, change the future. It only goes to show - you can teach an old dog new tricks!"/ends

For further information contact, director of continuing education, Keith Mackle on (01382) 344442.