Dear Baba,
Greetings from England and dry land! And what a journey it was, Baba, with that mighty sea slapping against the ship and spraying the deck with salty water. There were many days when we saw no land at all and no other ships, just dolphins and flying fish, and once a group of sharks attacked our dolphin friends, turning the water red. If we passed another ship, our captain would blare his horn, saluting the vessel while we waved, but usually it was just us and that endless, frightening sea. The waters were particularly rough when we entered the Gulf of Guinea, and the notorious Guinea current. They were also rough in the run up to the Bay of Biscay, but the worst was entering the Mersey Estuary from the Irish Sea. From a distance, the Irish Sea was cloaked in fog so that we could not see the rough, heaving waves that are legendary among mariners. Mind you, this was the only time when I succumbed to seasickness (everyone suffered from motion sickness that day!).
On board the ship, I made friends with two students, Mr. Lekan Olajide from Ogbomosho and Mr. Ibrahim Mohammed from Kaduna. The three of us were well received by the Captain, and even invited to the first-class cabin where the British Broadcasting Corporation was making a film about Nigeria. Perhaps we are already famous! Sadly, Mr. Olajide and Mr. Mohammed were not Oxford-bound, but we have exchanged addresses, and in this way, we remain in touch.
The boat made several stops along the way at Takoradi, Monrovia, Freetown, and the lovely Las Palmas. Once in Liverpool, they tugged us into harbour and I travelled to London, and then up to Oxford, where I am now in my college rooms.
My first two weeks at Oxford have been busy and filled with invitations of all sorts. Yesterday, I had tea with my moral tutor, and sherry with the Master. Today, it was a new members’ drinks party at the West African Society, and chapel was followed by sherry in the Old Senior Common Room. I have also been introduced to a British Army Colonel, a Brigadier, and a Lord who dined in college. King Olav’s son (from Norway) is a student here at Balliol, too. As you can see, there are many important persons at Oxford, which is part of what makes it such an impressive institution.
In other ways, though, Oxford is not as I expected. The sun sets by 6pm and I am told that it will set even earlier in the months to come. This, and the fact that darkness descends so slowly, are so strange for me. The people can be a little strange, too, and on the whole, not terribly friendly. I have come to the conclusion that because the English are a minority in Nigeria, they are obliged to be cordial in our country, whereas their true temperament is somewhat cold, much like their weather. You will also be surprised to discover that in this country, people do not greet each other in passing, not even Balliol men. In fact, many Balliol men do not look very distinguished at all. Some sport long hair, and bathing is not a daily occurrence on account of the cold. The tutors look more distinguished, but many are ignorant about Africa. I am grateful to Headmaster Faircliff for his letter of introduction to Professor Edward Barker and his wife, Isabella, who have invited me to lunch next week.
I am also excited to report that I have met three other Nigerians at the university: Mr. Ike Nwandi, who is reading History, Mr. Bolaji Oladipo, reading Law at Magdalen, and Christine Arinze who reads Modern Languages at St. Hilda’s. We live and study in the colleges and each has its own library and tutors. I am also friendly with Percy, my scout. He is the man who cleans my room every day and has been most helpful in explaining the origin and meaning of certain English customs. Can you believe that he addresses me as ‘Sir’? Life is different here, but a great adventure. I intend to join the college football and table tennis teams, and also the West African Students Society. I will, however, devote most of my hours to reading, starting with Kant and de Tocqueville, as well as many other notable scholars, for my tutorials.
I wait anxiously for news from home, and for some letters. My greetings to everyone, and please tell Mama that her food has served me well (I have made several friends by sharing it with chaps on my staircase). English food, with the exception of custard (like ogi) is not too appetising. Please greet Auntie Amina, Uncle Tunde, Auntie Titiola, Auntie Mary, Uncle Kayode, Uncle Joseph, brother Remi, brother Tope, sister Bisi, sister Kemi, sister Fatima, and all the family.
Yours truly, Omotayo
P.S. As my colleagues find it difficult to pronounce my name, I am now known as ‘Ty’ for short.
Dear Son,
We received your letter, dated 27th October, two weeks hence. We are delighted to know that you arrived safely and in good health. Praise God! It was most interesting to hear of your experiences in Oxford and I have informed colleagues at work about your meeting with King Olav, the Lords, and the army generals. They are duly impressed. In your next letter, you will please apprise me of the precise names of these gentlemen so that I can provide complete statistics to colleagues and Uncle Kayode.
We are all well here. Thanks be to God. Bisi received highest honours for Geography, and Biyi made school prefect. So, you see, the Ajayi family continue to excel in their studies. Marvellous. We are looking to you now to make us even more proud. Meanwhile, things in Nigeria are running splendidly. The independence celebrations (three years of independence now!) were quite fantastic. In short, there were many fireworks, dancing, eating, and general gaiety. We were proud and now the government is working for increased Nigerian leadership. Indigenous responsibility is what we call it. Rumour has it that a Nigerian will soon replace our Chief of Police, and we hope so. God willing. And yet some white men here are still thinking they own our land, not acknowledging that it is a new Nigeria. In short, to keep you informed I send you forthwith these articles from The New Nigerian and The Daily Times newspapers. I have underlined, for your benefit, the important points.
Your mother is preparing her trip to Mecca. She informs me that she will offer special prayers for you when she arrives, and that upon her return, she will dispatch henceforth to you some additional provisions. In short, she would like to know how much to send for your esteemed colleagues. It is most encouraging to hear your news. Write again immediately upon receipt of this letter. Read your books, and always remember that you are an Ajayi man. Don’t forget the Ajayi motto: ‘In all things moderation, with the exception of study.’
God bless you, Your father,
Inspector (Mr.) Adeniyi Ajayi