Profile of
Abimbola Alao

Abimbola currently lectures part time at the University of Plymouth, teaching Research methods to Cert Ed. and Postgraduate students. One of her areas of interest is, Qualitative Research methods: Collecting and analysing narrative data.

Abimbola, an accomplished performer, having appeared on television and radio, in the UK, is also an excellent communicator cum public speaker and her storytelling performances are always in demand.

University of Plymouth PGCE (FE & Training) Dec. 2001

University of Ibadan, Nigeria M.A Classics June 1991

University of Ibadan, Nigeria B.A. (Hons.) Classics June 1988

BBC SOUTHWEST

Abimbola Alao is a member of the BBC Southwest Ethnic Minority Advisory Committee. Also, she is a contributor to the BBC Devon ‘Pause for thought’ an early morning radio program.

College of St. Marks & St. Johns:

Abimbola is a member of the Council of Management of this University.

Publications By Abimbola Alao:

Author
TITLE: ‘The Legendary Weaver’ (Book & CD)
First Published in 2003 by Lampo Press.
ISBN: 0-9546255-0-1

Translator of the following children’s books

• TITLE: ‘My Daddy is a GIANT’: Dual Language

Yoruba translation: ‘Omiran ni Baba mi’ by Abimbola Alao
First Published in 2004 by Macmillan Children’s book London
First dual language publication in 2004 by Mantra Lingua. ISBN: 1 84444 379 5

• TITLE: ‘Floppy’s Friends’: Dual Language

Yoruba translation: ‘Floppy ati awon ore e re’ by Abimbola Alao
First Published in 2003 by Uitgeverij Clavis, Amsterdam -Hasselt.
First dual language publication in 2004 by Mantra Lingua. ISBN: 1 84444 240 3

• TITLE: ‘Welcome to the world baby’: Dual Language

Yoruba translation: ‘Kaabo sinu aye Omo titun’ by Abimbola Alao
First Published in 2005 by Mantra Lingua. ISBN 1 84444297 7

• Title: ‘Hansel and Gretel,’ Dual Language

Yoruba translation: ‘Hansel ati Gretel’ by Abimbola Alao
First Published in 2005 by Mantra Lingua. ISBN 1 84444778 2

• Title: ‘Nita Goes to Hospital,’ Dual Language

Yoruba translation: ‘Nita lo si ile iwosan’  by Abimbola Alao
First Published in 2005 by Mantra Lingua. ISBN 1 84444836 3

• Title: ‘The little Red Hen and the Grains of Wheat,’

Dual Language. Yoruba translation: ‘Adie Pupa Kekere ati Eso Alikama’
by Abimbola Alao. First Published in 2005 by Mantra Lingua. ISBN 1 84444219 5

• Title: ‘Grandma’s Saturday Soup’ By Sally Fraser: Dual Language

Yoruba translation: ‘Obe Ojo Abameta Mama Agba’  by Abimbola Alao
First Published in 2005 by Mantra Lingua. ISBN 1 84444951 3

• Title: ‘My Talking Dictionary Book & CD ROM’ Yoruba & English

Yoruba translation by Abimbola Alao
First Published in 2005 by Mantra Lingua. ISBN 1 84444717 0

What educators have said:

"Your programmes are recommended to encourage creativity in Adults, both for their own personal development and also, for their approach to young children as parents, grandparents and/or facilitators of learning"
R. Mansell
Course Tutor University of Plymouth

"Recently in our Pre-school, Abi helped us with our project on Africa. The children thoroughly enjoyed the session. The members of staff were impressed, as was our OFSTED inspector!"
Sue Shapley
Co-supervisor
Woolwell Under Fives

Abimbola is a gifted storyteller and author but also a theorist. She understands how important stories are across our lives and across the curriculum … Her range of workshops could raise the whole profile of storytelling within a school and create an appetite for more creativity across a range of subjects. Abimbola’s graceful movement and beautiful singing give her hypnotic powers as she commands attention…her storytelling is as if a muse has whispered uninterrupted into her ear. The pace and delivery of her work is quite exceptional as she weaves stories, which engage all those who hear them."
Linda Pagett
Senior Lecturer University of Plymouth
Faculty of Education Douglas Avenue Exmouth

What the media have said Abimbola:

"….Abi is a professional storyteller who uses spoken word, performance, hair-braiding skills and music to pass on tales of Africa. When she is telling stories, she wears West African dress and plays West African instruments.
Evening Herald,

"More than 100 children have already made the most of the first two days of a local summer play scheme, which has its emphasis on learning through fun…. Last Tuesday, the African drumming workshop with Abi Alao attracted more than 100 people….
Evening Herald,