Turner Isoun, Former Science And Technology Minister, Dies At 87

Former Minister of Science and Technology Turner Isoun has died in Abuja at the age of 87.

Isoun, a professor of veterinary medicine, died on 15 July. His death drew condolences from Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri, who described him as a major figure in education, science and national development.

He served as science and technology minister under former President Olusegun Obasanjo from 2000 to 2007. Before then, he was the pioneer vice-chancellor of the then Rivers State University of Science and Technology, now Rivers State University, in Port Harcourt.

Diri said Isoun helped lay the foundation for Nigeria’s first university of science and technology and later pushed reforms in the country’s technology sector. The former minister was linked to the establishment of the National Information Technology Development Agency and Galaxy Backbone Plc.

His tenure also coincided with major steps in Nigeria’s space programme, including the launch of NigeriaSat-1 and NigComSat-1R.

Isoun, who was from Odi in Bayelsa State, also served as chairman of the Ijaw National Congress in the Central Zone and was involved in the campaign that led to the creation of Bayelsa State from the old Rivers State in 1996.

Diri extended condolences to Isoun’s family and community, saying the state and the Ijaw nation had lost an elder statesman.

Sources: Premium Times, Daily Post