Vaidutis was born in 1365 in
Drohiczyn,
Grand Duchy of Lithuania. By departing abroad Butautas left his recently born son Vaidutis in the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. It is thought that Vaidutis entered into the custody of his grandfather Kęstutis or possibly his uncle
Vaidotas. In 1381, around the outbreak of the
first Lithuanian civil war, sixteen-year-old Vaidutis followed in his father's footsteps by departing to Prussia. He subsequently traveled to the imperial court in Prague, Jonas Vaidutis' career developed with the patronage of Władysław II Jagiełło. The election took place on
St. Gall's Day, 16 October 1401. His candidacy was supported by the outgoing rector,
Stanisław of Skarbimierz, who delivered a laudation in favor of the prince, emphasizing his theological education, noble birth, and virtuous conduct. He also mentioned that the prince had been a benefactor of the university. Vaidutis did not hold the position of rector for long; by May of the following year, he was already deceased. During his tenure, the university admitted only 43 students. He was presumably buried in the
Kraków Cathedral. His successor was , a canon of the Kraków Cathedral and later the
bishop of Vilnius. ==References==