Professor Turner Isoun, who served as Nigeria's minister of science and technology under former President Olusegun Obasanjo, died in Abuja on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at the age of 87. His death was confirmed by the Isoun family spokesperson, Diseye Timinipre Isoun, in a statement. The elder statesman was based in Odi, Bayelsa state.
Governor Diri Mourns 'Academic Colossus'
Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri expressed deep sorrow over Isoun's passing, describing him as "an academic colossus whose contributions to scholarship and national development are outstanding and immeasurable." Diri stated that the death was a significant loss not only to the Ijaw nation but to Nigeria as a whole, as reported by The Nation.
Isoun's Legacy in Science and ICT
A professor of veterinary medicine by training, Isoun made his most enduring mark during his tenure as minister of science and technology. He was widely credited with driving Nigeria's early push into information technology and space exploration. Among his most consequential initiatives were the establishment of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the creation of Galaxy Backbone Plc, a government ICT firm set up to harmonise national communication networks and build reliable broadband infrastructure across the country.
Under his watch, Nigeria achieved landmark milestones in space technology, including the launch of NigeriaSat-1 and Nigcomsat 1R, two satellites that marked a defining chapter in the country's scientific history.
Academic and Ijaw Contributions
Before his ministerial career, Isoun distinguished himself in academia as the founding vice chancellor of the University of Science and Technology in Port Harcourt (now Rivers State University). Governor Diri noted that Isoun laid the solid foundations of the country's first technology-focused university. Beyond his academic and governmental roles, Isoun remained deeply connected to his Ijaw heritage, serving as chairman of the Ijaw National Congress, Central Zone, and playing a notable part in the political process that led to the creation of Bayelsa state in 1996.
"The Odi-born scientist would be greatly missed for his candour, wise counsel and commitment to Ijaw socio-cultural values," Governor Diri said, while extending condolences from the Bayelsa state Government to the Isoun family and community. He urged them to take comfort in the late elder statesman's lasting contributions to national life.
