Former Minister of Science and Technology, Professor Turner Isoun, has died at the age of 87.
The former minister passed away on July 15 in Abuja, according to Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri, who expressed deep sadness over the loss of the renowned academic and statesman.
Governor Diri’s reaction was contained in a statement issued on Friday in Yenagoa by his Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Alabrah.
Describing the late professor as one of Nigeria’s foremost scholars and public servants, the governor said Isoun’s contributions to science, education and national development would continue to inspire generations.
Academic and public service career
Professor Isoun served as Nigeria’s Minister of Science and Technology between 2000 and 2007 during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
Before joining the Federal Executive Council, he had built an outstanding academic career as a professor of veterinary medicine and later became the pioneer Vice-Chancellor of the then University of Science and Technology in Port Harcourt, now Rivers State University.
Governor Diri noted that the late academic laid a solid foundation for Nigeria’s first university dedicated to science and technology, describing him as an educator who devoted his life to building institutions and advancing knowledge.
According to the governor, Isoun’s death represents a huge loss to Bayelsa State, the Ijaw nation and the country as a whole.
Champion of ICT development
The governor paid glowing tribute to Isoun’s achievements during his years as Minister of Science and Technology, saying he played a defining role in transforming Nigeria’s information and communications technology sector.
He recalled that the late minister spearheaded the establishment of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), an institution that has remained at the forefront of implementing Nigeria’s digital economy and information technology policies.
Governor Diri also highlighted Isoun’s role in the establishment of Galaxy Backbone Plc, the government-owned ICT company responsible for integrating communication infrastructure across public institutions and supporting the country’s broadband development.
According to him, these initiatives laid the foundation for Nigeria’s ongoing digital transformation and strengthened the country’s technological capacity.
Contributions to space technology
Professor Isoun was also credited with advancing Nigeria’s space science programme during his tenure in office.
Under his leadership, Nigeria recorded major milestones with the successful launch of the country’s first satellites, including NigeriaSat-1 and NigComSat-1R.
The governor said those achievements demonstrated the late minister’s vision for positioning Nigeria among countries investing in science, innovation and space technology.
He described Isoun as a visionary leader whose commitment to research and technological advancement helped place Nigeria on the global scientific map.
Legacy in Bayelsa and Ijaw nation
Beyond his contributions to science and technology, Professor Isoun remained actively involved in the development of the Niger Delta and the promotion of Ijaw interests.
He served as Chairman of the Central Zone of the Ijaw National Congress and was recognised as one of the prominent figures who contributed to the campaign that led to the creation of Bayelsa State from the old Rivers State in 1996.
Governor Diri described the late elder statesman as a man of integrity, wisdom and candour who remained committed to the socio-cultural values of the Ijaw people throughout his lifetime.
He extended the condolences of the Bayelsa State Government to Isoun’s family, the people of Odi community and all associates of the late professor, urging them to find comfort in his enduring legacy of scholarship, innovation and patriotic service to Nigeria.
The governor said Professor Turner Isoun would be remembered not only for the offices he occupied but also for the lasting impact of his work on education, science, technology and national development.