Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
Former Minister of Science and Technology, Prof. Turner Timinipre Isoun, has died at the age of 87.
His family confirmed his death in a statement signed by Diseye Timinipre Isoun, saying the former minister passed away peacefully on July 15, 2026.
Born on September 2, 1938, in Odi, Bayelsa State, Prof. Isoun was the son of Mark Ebidi Isoun and Dali Amgbapu Isoun.
The statement described him as a distinguished academic and public servant whose life was marked by excellence and service.
It noted that he earned a Federal Government scholarship to study in the United States, a milestone that launched a career spanning academia, scientific research, and public administration.
Prof. Isoun served as Minister of Science and Technology during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, where he played a key role in advancing Nigeria’s science, technology, and innovation agenda.
He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in 1963, a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree in 1965 and a PhD in 1970, all from Michigan State University.
The statement highlighted his academic and institutional roles, stating that he became a Professor of Veterinary Pathology at the University of Ibadan in 1975 and served as the pioneer Vice-Chancellor of the Rivers State University of Science and Technology in Port Harcourt.
The family described Professor Isoun as a statesman and advocate for the Ijaw people.
They said he served as Chairman of the Ijaw National Congress (Central Zone) and played a pivotal role in the campaign that led to the creation of Bayelsa State from the old Rivers State, including helping to produce the foundational map used in the process.
According to the statement, Professor Isoun served as Federal Minister of Science and Technology from October 2000 to May 2007 under President Olusegun Obasanjo.
The family credited him with driving Nigeria’s space and ICT initiatives while in office, including spearheading the establishment of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and helping to create Galaxy Backbone Plc to harmonise government ICT networks and build a national broadband backbone.
They also said his leadership contributed to the launch of Nigeria’s early satellites, including NigeriaSat-1 and NigComSat-1R.
The statement listed his honours, noting that Professor Isoun was a Fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Science and the African Academy of Sciences.
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 children and grandchildren.
The family described him as having “lived a life of purpose, leaving a lasting legacy on his community, the nation, and the scientific world.”
They said further details about the memorial and burial arrangements will be communicated in due course.
