A former Minister of Science and Technology, Prof Turner Isoun who served between 2000 and 2007 has been reported dead at 87 on July 15, 2026 in Abuja, Federal Capital Territory (FCT)
Penpushing reports that Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State made this known in a statement by his spokesperson, Daniel Alabrah, adding that the deceased, a professor of veterinary medicine was an academic colossus whose contributions to scholarship and national development are outstanding and immeasurable.
The Governor in the statement described his death as a huge loss to the Ijaw nation, the state and the country at large, recalling his pioneering role as the first vice chancellor of the then University of Science and Technology (now Rivers State University), Port Harcourt, in the old Rivers state.
Penpushing further reports that the statement said the late Isoun 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.
The statement emphasized that the Odi-born late former Minister scientist would be greatly missed for his candour, wise counsel and commitment to Ijaw socio-cultural values.
Penpushing also reports that Diri extended the condolences of the Bayelsa State Government to his family and community, urging them to take solace in the late elder statesman’s invaluable contributions to national development.
The deceased who served as minister of science and technology during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, was acknowledged as a driving force behind the country’s space and ICT revolution.
Penpushing reports that the statement added that he spearheaded the establishment of the National Information Technology Development Agency, and was also instrumental in the creation of Galaxy Backbone Plc, a government ICT company tasked with harmonising communication networks and building a robust national broadband backbone.
The statement stated that under his guidance, Nigeria also recorded major advancements in space technology, including the launch of the country’s first satellites, such as NigeriaSat-1 and Nigcomsat 1R.
Penpushing further reports that the culture icon, who served as chairman of the Ijaw National Congress (Central Zone), equally played a pivotal role in the creation of Bayelsa, out of the old Rivers State in 1996.
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