Tinubu Mourns Scholar, Former ASUU President Prof. Biodun Jeyifo

President Bola Tinubu has expressed profound condolences over the passing of Professor Emeritus Biodun Jeyifo, a renowned literary scholar and former President of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), who died on Wednesday.

Describing the late academic as a “towering figure” in African literature and postcolonial studies, President Tinubu highlighted Professor Jeyifo’s mastery in interpreting the works of Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka, his influence on cultural theory, and his contributions to political and cultural journalism.

President Tinubu recalled Prof. Jeyifo’s temperance, foresight, and wisdom during his leadership of ASUU, noting that he provided guidance and effective negotiation frameworks to improve conditions for academics and students across Nigerian universities. The President also praised his enduring advocacy for academic freedom, social justice, and mentorship of scholars, writers, and activists.

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The President extended condolences to ASUU, the Nigerian Academy of Letters, the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism, the University of Ibadan, Obafemi Awolowo University, Oberlin University (USA), Cornell University (USA), and Harvard University (USA), institutions where Professor Jeyifo studied, taught, or influenced research in African literary studies.

“Nigeria and the global academic community have lost a global citizen and intellectual giant,” President Tinubu said, adding that Professor Jeyifo’s lifelong dedication to knowledge production and the promotion of human dignity will be sorely missed.

Professor Jeyifo, one of Africa’s most influential literary critics, received multiple honours during his career, including the W.E.B. Du Bois Medal in 2019. President Tinubu prayed for the repose of his soul and urged that his legacy continue to inspire future generations.