Christie Ade Ajayi

Christie Ade Ajayi (born 1930) is a Nigerian specialist in early childhood education. She is the author of various English-language books for young children, and has made a point of writing stories with a Nigerian setting that her readers can relate to. As well as having long experience of teaching she has been active in a number of organisations concerned with children and education.

Biography

Born Christie Aduke Martins on 13 March 1930 in Ile Oluji, Ondo State, Christie Ade Ajayi (also written Ade-Ajayi) went to Kudeti Girls' School in Ibadan (now known as St. Anne's School) and then to United Missionary College, Ibadan where she trained to be a teacher.[1] She also studied in London at the Froebel Institute[2] and then at the Institute of Education where she received a Diploma in Child Development in 1958.[1] Between 1952 and 1978 she taught in various schools in Nigeria and one in London, became a headmistress,[3] and also went to San Jose State University, California where she was awarded a Diploma in Elementary School Administration and Leadership in 1971.[1] She married J. F. Ade Ajayi in 1956 with whom she had five children.[4] A friend of the family has described her "outgoing nature" and the family's "hospitable house".[5]

Books

Ade Ajayi's experience in early years teaching led to a concern "with the learning needs of Nigerian children".[6] She was motivated to encourage preschoolers and beginner readers by offering them books that reflected their own experience and culture.[7] While enjoying stories and pictures of West African characters they could enlarge their vocabulary and develop reading skills.

Among her books are:

Education expert

She has held a variety of leadership posts in educational organisations.[3] These include:

In 1993 the International Journal of Early Childhood published her article on 'Collaboration with other international agencies in community development programmes: The Nigerian experience'.[14]

References

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