JUST IN: Nigerian literary scholar, Prof. Biodun Jeyifo, dies at 80
Professor Emeritus Biodun Jeyifo, one of Nigeria’s foremost literary scholars and critics, is dead. He was 80 years old. The President of the Nigerian Academy of Letters (NAL), Professor Andrew
Professor Emeritus Biodun Jeyifo, one of Nigeria’s foremost literary scholars and critics, is dead.
He was 80 years old.
The President of the Nigerian Academy of Letters (NAL), Professor Andrew Haruna, announced his passing in a statement on Wednesday.
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“The President of the Nigerian Academy of Letters, Professor Andrew Haruna, FNAL, regrets to announce the death of Professor Emeritus Biodun Jeyifo, FNAL, which occurred today, 11th of February, 2026,” the statement read.
Popularly known as Professor BJ, Jeyifo had a distinguished academic career at the then University of Ife, now Obafemi Awolowo University, before relocating abroad. He later held dual academic appointments at Cornell University and Harvard University in the United States.
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He was widely respected for his scholarship in African literature and drama, as well as for his work in Marxist literary criticism. Over the decades, he was regarded as one of Africa’s most influential voices in postcolonial studies.
On January 5, 2026, an international event was held in his honour at the MUSON Centre in Lagos to celebrate his 80th birthday, attracting scholars and admirers from across the globe.
“May his gentle soul rest in peace, and may God comfort the family he left behind,” Professor Haruna added.
