Former Science, Technology Minister Prof. Turner Isoun dies

Turner Isoun, former Minister of Science and Technology, is dead at 87 years.

The well-known scholar and former minister allegedly breathed his last over the weekend in Abuja.

The late professor’s demise has elicited reactions from all corners of the country, including from the Governor of Bayelsa State, Douye Diri, who lamented the death of the professor as a big loss for Bayelsa State, Ijaw nation, and Nigeria.

In a press statement signed by his spokesman, Daniel Alabrah, the governor lauded the late professor as a man of immense academic accomplishment, administrative experience, and statesmanship who contributed a lot to education, science, and governance.

The governor equally praised Isoun for his pioneering work as the first Vice Chancellor of the University of Science and Technology, Port Harcourt, which is now the Rivers State University of Science and Technology.

Isoun was the Nigerian Minister of Science and Technology under the previous regime of President Olusegun Obasanjo between 2000 and 2007, where he spearheaded the reforms in science, technology and innovation.

As the minister, Professor Isoun played an influential role in developing the ICT industry in Nigeria by establishing the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and helping form Galaxy Backbone Plc, the ICT infrastructure corporation owned by the government.

The period also saw remarkable achievements in the country’s space program, which included the launch of NigeriaSat-1 and NigComSat-1R, two events that made a strong imprint on the country’s place in space technology.

As a distinguished academic and veterinarian, Professor Turner Isoun will be recognized for his commitment to science and national development.