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 outstanding scholar and statesman.
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.
The governor hailed Isoun as an intellectual giant whose influence extended beyond academia and public service, noting that his death was a major loss to Bayelsa State, the Ijaw nation and Nigeria.
Diri also highlighted Isoun’s role as the pioneer Vice-Chancellor of Rivers State University of Science and Technology, where he helped lay the foundation for Nigeria’s first university of science and technology.
As minister, Isoun championed key reforms in Nigeria’s technology sector, including the establishment of NITDA, the creation of Galaxy Backbone and the advancement of the country’s satellite programme.
Beyond public service, he was a prominent advocate for Ijaw interests and played a role in the campaign that led to the creation of Bayelsa State in 1996.
Governor Diri extended condolences to Isoun’s family, the people of Odi community and the Ijaw nation, urging them to take solace in the late statesman’s enduring legacy.