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Prof. Turner Isoun, pioneer scientist and statesman, passes on at 87.
Former Minister of Science and Technology, Prof. Turner Isoun, has died at the age of 87.
His family announced his passing in a statement issued on Thursday by Diseye Timinipre Isoun, revealing that the former minister died on Wednesday.
Born on September 2, 1938, in Odi, Bayelsa State, Isoun earned a Federal Government scholarship to study in the United States. He obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in 1963, a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 1965, and a Ph.D. in 1970, all from Michigan State University.
The family described his contributions to Nigeria’s academic sector as remarkable, noting that he became a Professor of Veterinary Pathology at the University of Ibadan in 1975. He also served as the pioneer Vice Chancellor of the Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Port Harcourt, and was a Visiting Scientist at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and the Bernard Nocht Institute of Tropical Medicine in Germany.
Prof. Isoun served as Minister of Science and Technology from October 2000 to May 2007 under the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo. During his tenure, he played a significant role in advancing Nigeria’s information technology and space programmes, including the establishment of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and Galaxy Backbone Plc. He also contributed to initiatives that led to the launch of NigeriaSat-1 and NigComSat.
Beyond science and technology, the family said Isoun made notable contributions to the Ijaw struggle. As Chairman of the Ijaw National Congress (Central Zone), he was actively involved in advocacy efforts that contributed to the creation of Bayelsa State.
The statement added that Prof. Isoun was honoured as a Fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Science and the African Academy of Sciences in recognition of his distinguished career.
He is survived by his wife, Miriam Jean Isoun, children and grandchildren.
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