Fidelia Soriwei, Abuja
Former Minister of Science and Technology, Prof. Turner Isoun, has died at the age of 87, his family announced on Thursday.
According to a statement issued on behalf of the family by Diseye Timinipre Isoun, the former minister died on Wednesday.
The family said Funeral arrangements will be announced later.
Born on September 2, 1938, in Odi, Bayelsa State, Isoun received a Federal Government scholarship to study in the United States, where he earned 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 said, “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.”
Isoun served as Minister of Science and Technology between October 2000 and May 2007 during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
During his tenure, he played a key role in advancing Nigeria’s information technology and space programmes, including the establishment of the National Information Technology Development Agency and Galaxy Backbone Plc. He was also associated with initiatives that led to the launch of Nigeria’s early satellites, including NigeriaSat-1 and NigComSat.
The family also highlighted his contributions to the Ijaw cause, noting that as Chairman of the Ijaw National Congress (Central Zone), he was actively involved in advocacy efforts that contributed to the creation of Bayelsa State.
“Throughout his distinguished career, Professor Isoun was recognised as a Fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Science and the African Academy of Sciences,” the statement added.
Isoun is survived by his wife, Miriam Jean Isoun, children and grandchildren.
