Intellectuals Gather in Lagos to Interrogate Decolonisation as Biodun Jeyifo Turns 80
By SMI | Jan 04, 2026
LAGOS, Nigeria — The Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ) is set to host a high-profile public symposium tomorrow, January 5, 2026, to celebrate the 80th birthday of the distinguished scholar and critic, Professor Biodun Jeyifo.
The event, held at the AGIP Recital Hall of the MUSON Centre in Onikan, arrives at a pivotal moment as intellectual circles worldwide grapple with the evolving impact of decolonisation on education and governance.
Themed “Who Is Afraid of Decolonisation?”, a statement released by the WSCIJ says the symposium serves as both a tribute to Jeyifo—Professor Emeritus at Cornell and Harvard—and a rigorous interrogation of his life’s work in curriculum reform and cultural resistance.
The keynote address will be delivered by Priya Gopal, Professor of Post-Colonial Studies at the University of Cambridge. Her lecture, titled “Who’s Afraid of Decolonisation? Reflections on Particular Pasts and Planetary Futures,” is expected to set the stage for a day of intense debate on how colonial legacies continue to shape modern society.
The symposium will be chaired by Dr. Yemi Ogunbiyi, Chairman of Tanus Books, and will feature two distinct panel sessions designed to bridge the gap between academic theory and public policy. The first session, moderated by Professor Ropo Sekoni, features prominent voices such as Professor Jibrin Ibrahim, Dr. Chidi Amuta, and Professor Akin Adesokan. They will dissect the keynote address, connecting global decolonial theories to the specific political realities of Nigeria and the African continent.
A second session, titled “Pedagogy for Liberation: Then and Now,” focuses on Jeyifo’s legacy as an educator. Former students and mentees, including Dr. Bisi Anyadike, journalist Kunle Ajibade, and poet Ogaga Ifowodo, will reflect on how Jeyifo’s teaching philosophy has influenced their own careers in education, media, and law. This segment will be moderated by Professor Chima Anyadike of Obafemi Awolowo University.
The highlight of the morning will be a personal address by Professor Jeyifo himself. Known for his uncompromising stance on social justice and revolutionary scholarship, Jeyifo will offer reflections on the intersection of curriculum, society, and revolution across different generations.
The WSCIJ has extended an open invitation to the public, aiming to bring together a diverse audience of scholars, journalists, and cultural critics to celebrate one of Africa’s most enduring intellectual figures.
The event, held at the AGIP Recital Hall of the MUSON Centre in Onikan, arrives at a pivotal moment as intellectual circles worldwide grapple with the evolving impact of decolonisation on education and governance.
Themed “Who Is Afraid of Decolonisation?”, a statement released by the WSCIJ says the symposium serves as both a tribute to Jeyifo—Professor Emeritus at Cornell and Harvard—and a rigorous interrogation of his life’s work in curriculum reform and cultural resistance.
The keynote address will be delivered by Priya Gopal, Professor of Post-Colonial Studies at the University of Cambridge. Her lecture, titled “Who’s Afraid of Decolonisation? Reflections on Particular Pasts and Planetary Futures,” is expected to set the stage for a day of intense debate on how colonial legacies continue to shape modern society.
The symposium will be chaired by Dr. Yemi Ogunbiyi, Chairman of Tanus Books, and will feature two distinct panel sessions designed to bridge the gap between academic theory and public policy. The first session, moderated by Professor Ropo Sekoni, features prominent voices such as Professor Jibrin Ibrahim, Dr. Chidi Amuta, and Professor Akin Adesokan. They will dissect the keynote address, connecting global decolonial theories to the specific political realities of Nigeria and the African continent.
A second session, titled “Pedagogy for Liberation: Then and Now,” focuses on Jeyifo’s legacy as an educator. Former students and mentees, including Dr. Bisi Anyadike, journalist Kunle Ajibade, and poet Ogaga Ifowodo, will reflect on how Jeyifo’s teaching philosophy has influenced their own careers in education, media, and law. This segment will be moderated by Professor Chima Anyadike of Obafemi Awolowo University.
The highlight of the morning will be a personal address by Professor Jeyifo himself. Known for his uncompromising stance on social justice and revolutionary scholarship, Jeyifo will offer reflections on the intersection of curriculum, society, and revolution across different generations.
The WSCIJ has extended an open invitation to the public, aiming to bring together a diverse audience of scholars, journalists, and cultural critics to celebrate one of Africa’s most enduring intellectual figures.
