Professor Emeritus Biodun Jeyifo, a leading Nigerian literary scholar and critic, has passed away at the age of 80.
The President of the Nigerian Academy of Letters (NAL), Professor Andrew Haruna, announced his death in a statement on Wednesday.
“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 said.
Popularly known as Professor BJ, Jeyifo had a distinguished academic career at the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) before moving abroad. He later held dual appointments at Cornell University and Harvard University in the United States.
He was widely recognized for his scholarship in African literature and drama, as well as his contributions to Marxist literary criticism. Over the decades, he became one of Africa’s most influential voices in postcolonial studies.
On January 5, 2026, an international event at the MUSON Centre in Lagos celebrated his 80th birthday, drawing scholars and admirers from around the world.
“May his gentle soul rest in peace, and may God comfort the family he left behind,” Professor Haruna added.
