Breaking: Former Minister, Professor Turner Isoun Dies

By Adesina Soyooye

The death has been announced of a former Minister for Science and Technology, Professor Turner Isoun.

An accomplished academic, his family, in a statement released on Thursday, July 16, said the former Vice Chancellor of the Rivers State University of Science and Technology  passed on Wednesday, July 15.

Neither the cause of his death nor where he died – Nigeria or abroad – was disclosed. Aged 87, speculation, however, is that his death was old age-related.

Professor Isoun  was Minister between October 2000 and May 2007 during the Olusegun Obasanjo administration, died.

The statement which announced his passing, signed and released by his son, Diseye Timinipre Isoun, on behalf of the Isoun family, reads:

“Born on September 2, 1938, in Odi, Bayelsa State, to Mark Ebidi and Dali Amgbapu Isoun, Professor Isoun embarked on an extraordinary academic journey. He received a federal government scholarship to study in the United States, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in 1963, a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 1965, and a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in 1970, all from Michigan State University.

“Professor Isoun’s impact on Nigeria’s academic landscape was immense. In 1975, he became a Professor of Veterinary Pathology at the University of Ibadan. He subsequently served as the pioneer Vice Chancellor of Nigeria’s first university of science and technology, the Rivers State University of Science and Technology in Port Harcourt. Beyond Nigeria, he was a Visiting Scientist at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and the Bernard Nocht Institute of Tropical Medicine in Germany.

“A dedicated statesman and a fervent believer in the Nigerian project, Professor Isoun balanced his profound service to the nation with a deep commitment to his roots and the advancement of the Ijaw people. Serving as the Chairman of the Ijaw National Congress (Central Zone), he played a pivotal role in the creation of Bayelsa State out of the old Rivers State. He and other leaders provided strategic advocacy, notably helping to produce the foundational map that became a landmark for the state’s successful creation, always viewing regional empowerment as a vital pillar of broader national progress.

“From October 2000 to May 2007, Professor Isoun served as Nigeria’s Federal Minister of Science and Technology under the administration of President Olusegun Obasanjo. During his tenure, he was a driving force behind the country’s space and ICT revolution. Recognising the crucial role of digital infrastructure, he spearheaded the establishment of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) to execute Nigeria’s overarching IT policy.

“Furthermore, he was instrumental in the creation of Galaxy Backbone Plc, an ICT government company tasked with harmonising communication networks and building a robust national broadband backbone. His visionary leadership also paved the way for major advancements in space technology, including the launch of Nigeria’s first satellites, such as NigeriaSat-1 and Nigcomsat 1R.

“Throughout his distinguished career, Professor Isoun was recognised as a Fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Science and the African Academy of Sciences.”

The late Professor is survived by his beloved wife, Mrs Miriam Jean Isoun (Nee Forbes), who co-authored his book, *Why Run Before Learning to Walk*, children and grandchildren.