Former Minister of Science and Technology Prof Turner Timinipre Isoun has died on the age of 87, in accordance with a press release signed by Diseye Timinipre Isoun on behalf of the household.
The assertion stated Isoun handed away peacefully on 15 July 2026. Born on 2 September 1938 in Odi, Bayelsa State, he was the son of Mark Ebidi and Dali Amgbapu Isoun.
The household recalled Isoun’s educational journey, noting that he received a federal authorities scholarship to review within the United States. He earned a Bachelor of Science diploma in 1963, a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine diploma in 1965 and a PhD in 1970, all from Michigan State University.
The assertion highlighted his educational and institutional roles, stating that he turned a Professor of Veterinary Pathology on the University of Ibadan in 1975 and served because the pioneer Vice-Chancellor of the Rivers State University of Science and Technology in Port Harcourt. It additionally famous his appointments as a visiting scientist on the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine in Germany.
The household described Professor Isoun as a statesman and advocate for the Ijaw folks. They stated he served as Chairman of the Ijaw National Congress (Central Zone) and performed a pivotal position within the marketing campaign that led to the creation of Bayelsa State from the previous Rivers State, together with serving to to supply the foundational map used within the course of.
According to the assertion, Professor Isoun served as Federal Minister of Science and Technology from October 2000 to May 2007 under President Olusegun Obasanjo.
The household credited him with driving Nigeria’s area and ICT initiatives whereas in workplace, together with spearheading the institution of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and serving to to create Galaxy Backbone Plc to harmonise authorities ICT networks and construct a nationwide broadband spine.
They additionally stated his management contributed to the launch of Nigeria’s early satellites, together with NigeriaSat-1 and NigComSat-1R.
The assertion 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 spouse, Mrs Miriam Jean Isoun (née Forbes), who co-authored his guide, Why Run Before Learning to Walk, in addition to youngsters and grandchildren.
The household described him as having “lived a life of purpose, leaving a lasting legacy on his community, the nation, and the scientific world.”
They stated additional particulars in regards to the memorial and burial preparations can be communicated sooner or later.