Remembering Biodun Jeyifo: A Legacy in Education Reform

The article commemorates the life of Biodun Jeyifo (BJ), who passed away shortly before his 80th birthday. Dr.

Yemi Ogunbiyi recalls BJ's journey from a young Marxist student at Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria to a key figure in Nigeria's academic and labor movements. Diagnosed with a disease early in life, BJ's relocation to the United States allowed him access to better medical facilities, contributing to his longevity.

He was instrumental in the formation of ASUU in 1978, serving as its first secretary at Ahmadu Bello University. BJ's advocacy for the rights of academic staff and his commitment to revolutionary struggles marked his legacy.

He engaged in significant debates within the leftist movements in Nigeria, often critiquing older generations for their failure to lead the country towards a socialist future. His efforts culminated in organizing the first ASUU strike in 1982, emphasizing the need for a united front in the labor movement to achieve educational reform and social justice.