Former Minister Dies at 87

Former Minister of Science and Technology, Professor Turner Isoun, has passed away at the age of 87.

His family announced his death in a statement released on Thursday, confirming that the former minister died on Wednesday.

Born on September 2, 1938, in Odi, Bayelsa State, Isoun began an academic journey that took him to the United States after receiving a Federal Government scholarship. At Michigan State University, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in 1963, a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 1965, and a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in 1970.

After returning to Nigeria, he built a career in academia and became a Professor of Veterinary Pathology at the University of Ibadan in 1975. He later served as the pioneer Vice-Chancellor of Rivers State University of Science and Technology in Port Harcourt, the country’s first university dedicated to science and technology. His academic work also took him abroad, where he served as a Visiting Scientist at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in the United States and the Bernard Nocht Institute of Tropical Medicine in Germany.

Beyond education, Isoun was active in public affairs and the development of the Ijaw nation. As Chairman of the Ijaw National Congress (Central Zone), he took part in efforts that contributed to the creation of Bayelsa State from the old Rivers State. According to his family, he worked with other leaders on advocacy efforts and helped prepare the map used during the state’s creation process.

Isoun served as Nigeria’s Minister of Science and Technology from October 2000 to May 2007 during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo. During his time in office, he played a major role in expanding the country’s science, technology and information technology sectors.

He was involved in the establishment of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), which was created to implement Nigeria’s information technology policy. He also contributed to the creation of Galaxy Backbone Plc to improve government communication systems and broadband infrastructure.

His time as minister also saw progress in Nigeria’s space programme, including the launch of satellites such as NigeriaSat-1 and NigComSat-1R.

Throughout his career, Isoun received recognition from the Nigerian Academy of Science and the African Academy of Sciences, where he was honoured as a Fellow for his contributions to science and research.

He is survived by his wife, Mrs Miriam Jean Isoun, née Forbes, who co-authored his book, Why Run Before Learning to Walk, as well as his children and grandchildren.

The family said details of his funeral arrangements would be announced at a later date.