By Joy Yesufu
The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has expressed profound grief over the death of one of its founding Board of Trustees members and former Minister of Science and Technology, Prof. Turner T. Isoun, describing him as an outstanding scholar, visionary public servant and a pillar of the organisation.
In a statement signed by its National Chairman, Ambassador Dr. Godknows Boladei, PANDEF said Prof. Isoun died in Abuja on July 15, 2026, at the age of 87, according to his family.
The organisation said his death marked the end of an era for Nigeria’s scientific community and the Niger Delta, noting that he devoted his life to advancing scientific research, higher education, public service and regional development.
“PANDEF mourns with shock and deep grief the passing of one of its core founding members and a distinguished statesman whose life was dedicated to scholarship, innovation and selfless service to Nigeria,” the statement said.
The forum recalled that Prof. Isoun served as Special Adviser on Science and Technology to the Rivers State Government and was the pioneer Vice-Chancellor of the Rivers State University of Science and Technology, now Rivers State University, Port Harcourt.
It also highlighted his tenure as Minister of Science and Technology under former President Olusegun Obasanjo, describing it as a defining period that transformed Nigeria’s science and technology sector.
According to PANDEF, Isoun played a leading role in the establishment of key national institutions, including the National Biotechnology Development Agency, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), the Nigerian Communications Satellite (NigComSat), the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) and the Galaxy Backbone technology infrastructure.
The organisation further noted that the late professor was a Fellow of both the Nigerian Academy of Science and the African Academy of Sciences, and founded the Wetlands Centre in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, a research institute dedicated to environmental studies.
He also served as the pioneer Chairman of the Bayelsa Education Trust Fund and was a founding leader of the Rivers Study Group, a policy think tank.
PANDEF described Prof. Isoun as one of the intellectual architects of the organisation, recalling that he played a pivotal role in drafting the 16-Point Agenda presented to former President Muhammadu Buhari on November 1, 2016, as a roadmap for addressing the developmental challenges of the Niger Delta.
The forum also acknowledged his donation of the Wetlands Centre in Yenagoa, which has served as PANDEF’s temporary national secretariat since the organisation’s inception.
“PANDEF salutes his exceptional national service and remains committed to preserving and promoting the enduring legacy he left behind,” the statement added.
The organisation extended its condolences to the Bayelsa State Government, the people of Odi Kingdom, the late professor’s wife of 60 years, Mrs. Miriam Isoun, his family and associates.
As a mark of honour, PANDEF directed all its branches within Nigeria and in the diaspora to observe a three-day mourning period beginning July 21, 2026.
The organisation said funeral arrangements would be announced by the family in due course.
