Wole Soyinka Honors Late Scholar Biodun Jeyifo, Recalls Ibadan University Days
Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka has paid a heartfelt tribute to the late Biodun Jeyifo, a celebrated scholar of African literature, during a farewell ceremony in Ibadan. The event, held on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, brought together members of the Pyrates Confraternity and academic colleagues to honor Jeyifo's profound contributions to literature and education.
Rare Anecdotes from Student Days
Soyinka shared captivating stories from their time as students at the University of Ibadan, highlighting Jeyifo's exceptional intellect and eccentric personality. In one memorable recollection, Soyinka noted that while Jeyifo graduated with first-class honors in English Literature, he surprisingly received a 'B' grade in Soyinka's department, despite his overall academic brilliance.
"At the University of Ibadan, when he was graduating in English Literature, he swept all the minor subjects with clean 'As', but in my department, he got a 'B'. Even with a 'B', BJ was obviously a first-class student," Soyinka recalled during the ceremony.
Remembering Jeyifo's Quirky Nature
The Nobel laureate also recounted humorous anecdotes that illustrated Jeyifo's unique character. He described Jeyifo as "a bizarre man" who could not be trusted with simple tasks like delivering a letter, often taking it on unexpected journeys across continents before returning it.
"You would meet him and ask, 'BJ, what happened to the letter?' And he would say, 'I took the letter to America, but I brought it back also.' That was BJ," Soyinka shared, drawing laughter and nods of recognition from those familiar with Jeyifo's ways.
Celebrating a Legacy of Scholarship
The gathering was part of a series of events celebrating Jeyifo's life and his immense impact on African literature. Over a career spanning Nigeria, the United States, China, and Europe, Jeyifo taught at prestigious institutions including the University of Ife, Cornell University, and Harvard University. His scholarship, particularly his award-winning work Wole Soyinka: Politics, Poetics and Postcolonialism, earned him global recognition as a leading voice in postcolonial studies.
Who Was Biodun Jeyifo?
Biodun Jeyifo, born January 5, 1946, was a renowned Nigerian academic, critic, and public intellectual. Educated at the University of Ibadan, where he earned first-class honors in English, he later completed postgraduate studies at New York University. Beyond academia, he was a committed commentator on culture, society, and justice, writing extensively for Nigerian newspapers and supporting educational initiatives for marginalized communities.
Jeyifo passed away in Ibadan at the age of 80, leaving behind three children and a lasting legacy as a scholar, teacher, and advocate for African letters and social conscience. His work continues to inspire generations of students and scholars worldwide.
University of Ibadan's Influential Alumni
The University of Ibadan, Nigeria's premier university founded in 1948, has nurtured many of the nation's most influential minds. Notable alumni include literary giants like Chinua Achebe and Flora Nwapa, as well as leaders in politics, education, and the arts. The institution's role in shaping Nigerian society and global communities remains a testament to its enduring impact.
The farewell ceremony for Biodun Jeyifo not only honored his memory but also reinforced the bonds of friendship and intellectual camaraderie that defined his life and work.
