Renowned Literary Scholar Professor Biodun Jeyifo Dies at 80

Nigeria mourns the passing of Professor Emeritus Biodun Jeyifo, a leading literary scholar and critic, who died on Wednesday at the age of 80.

The President of the Nigerian Academy of Letters, Professor Andrew Haruna, announced the news, expressing condolences to the family and the academic community. “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.

Fondly known as Professor BJ, Jeyifo had a distinguished career at the University of Ife, now Obafemi Awolowo University, before holding dual academic appointments at Cornell University and Harvard University in the United States. He was highly respected for his scholarship in African literature, drama, and Marxist literary criticism, establishing himself as one of Africa’s most influential voices in postcolonial studies.

Earlier this year, on January 5, 2026, an international event was held in his honour at the MUSON Centre in Lagos to mark his 80th birthday, bringing together scholars and admirers from around the world.

Professor Haruna prayed for his soul and for comfort for the family he left behind.