The Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ) will host a public symposium in honour of Professor Biodun Jeyifo, marking his 80th birthday and celebrating his enduring contributions to African scholarship, curriculum reform, and critical thought. The event, themed ‘Who Is Afraid of Decolonisation?’, will explore the contemporary relevance of decolonial ideas in education, politics, and public discourse.
The programme features a keynote lecture by Priya Gopal, Professor of Post-Colonial Studies at the University of Cambridge, titled ‘Who’s Afraid of Decolonisation? Reflections on Particular Pasts and Planetary Futures.’ Yemi Ogunbiyi (PhD), Chairman of Tanus Books, Lagos, Nigeria, will chair the event.
Following the keynote, a panel will respond critically to Gopal’s lecture, featuring Jibrin Ibrahim, Professor of Political Science and Chairman of the Editorial Board, Premium Times; Chidi Amuta (PhD), Chairman of Wilson & Weizman Associates, Lagos; and Akin Adesokan, Professor of Comparative Literature, Indiana University, USA. The session will be moderated by Ropo Sekoni, immediate past Chair of WSCIJ.
Another panel, themed ‘Pedagogy for Liberation: Then and Now’, will bring together Jeyifo’s former students and mentees, reflecting on his influence as a teacher, thinker, and institution-builder. Panellists include Bisi Anyadike (PhD), Kunle Ajibade, and Ogaga Ifowodo (PhD), with moderation by Chima Anyadike, Professor of English at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife.
Professor Jeyifo will deliver a major highlight address, sharing reflections on curriculum, society, and generational change. The symposium will include networking, audience interactions, and discussions on Jeyifo’s enduring contribution to African scholarship.
Members of the public are invited to attend.
