Former Minister of Science and Technology, Professor Turner Isoun, has died at the age of 87, prompting tributes from Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri, who described him as an “academic colossus whose contributions to scholarship and national development are outstanding and immeasurable.”
Isoun, who served under former President Olusegun Obasanjo from 2000 to 2007, passed away in Abuja on July 15.
In a statement issued through his Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Alabrah, Governor Diri said the late professor’s contributions to education, science, technology and national development would remain unforgettable, noting that his death was a “huge loss to the Ijaw nation, the state and the country at large.”
The governor hailed Isoun as an intellectual giant whose influence extended beyond academia and public service.
He highlighted Isoun’s role as the pioneer Vice-Chancellor of Rivers State University of Science and Technology, where he laid solid foundations for the country’s first university of science and technology and went on to engender an ICT “revolution” in the country during his tenure as a minister.
As minister, Isoun championed key reforms in Nigeria’s technology sector, including the establishment of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), the creation of Galaxy Backbone and the advancement of the country’s satellite programme, including NigeriaSat-1 and Nigcomsat 1R.
Beyond public service, the culture icon served as chairman of the Ijaw National Congress (Central Zone) and played a pivotal role in the creation of Bayelsa State in 1996.
Reflecting on his character, the governor stated, “The Odi-born scientist would be greatly missed for his candour, wise counsel and commitment to Ijaw socio-cultural values.”
Governor Diri extended condolences to Isoun’s family and community, urging them to take solace in the late elder statesman’s invaluable contributions to national development.
