‘Rest in power’: ASUU pays tribute to Biodun Jeyifo

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has announced the death of its former president and eminent scholar, Biodun Jeyifo, who passed away on 11 February at the age of 80.

In a statement issued on 14 February and signed by its president, Prof. Christopher Piwuna, the union said it received the news “with deep shock and sadness”. Jeyifo, widely known as BJ, was an Emeritus Professor of Literary Criticism and Cultural Theory at Harvard University until his death.

ASUU described him as “an outstanding scholar, a principled unionist, a Pan-Africanist, and a Marxist revolutionary”, adding that his “courageous and selfless leadership strengthened our Union and inspired generations within and beyond the academy”.

The union highlighted his formative role at Obafemi Awolowo University, where he contributed significantly to the growth of ASUU and was later honoured with a Doctor of Letters (Honoris Causa) in December 2018.

Recalling his acceptance speech at the ceremony, ASUU quoted him as saying: “Ife is the birthplace of ASUU; today, ASUU is in a state of profound and crippling crisis at the University.”

The statement noted that Jeyifo remained deeply concerned about the challenges facing Nigerian universities. It cited his counsel that “contradictions are there not to crush us if we study them carefully” and urged members to take steps to resolve lingering disputes within the university system.

ASUU also renewed its appeal to members who have joined the Congress of Nigerian University Academics (CONUA) to return to the union, saying this was a cause Jeyifo cherished until his final days. “We should resolve not to stand by his grave divided,” the union stated, describing the call as “a solemn plea to honour his memory”.

The union said it is awaiting details of funeral arrangements from the family and prayed that his “revolutionary soul rest in power”.