Former Minister of Science and Technology, Professor Turner Isoun, has died at the age of 87.

The former minister passed away in Abuja on July 15 after a distinguished career in academia and public service.

Reacting to the news, Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri described Isoun as a respected scholar, administrator and statesman whose contributions to Nigeria’s development would be remembered for generations.

In a condolence message issued through his Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Alabrah, the governor said Isoun made significant contributions to the country’s education, science and technology sectors during his lifetime.

Diri noted that the late professor served as Minister of Science and Technology under the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo between 2000 and 2007, where he played a key role in advancing Nigeria’s technological growth.

The governor also recalled Isoun’s tenure as the pioneer Vice-Chancellor of Rivers State University of Science and Technology, saying his leadership helped shape the institution into one of the country’s foremost science and technology universities.

He further highlighted Isoun’s role in promoting initiatives that strengthened Nigeria’s digital and technological infrastructure, including efforts that led to the establishment of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), the creation of Galaxy Backbone and the country’s satellite development programme.

Beyond his national assignments, Diri said the late professor remained a committed advocate for the Ijaw people and contributed to the movement that culminated in the creation of Bayelsa State in 1996.

The governor extended his condolences to Isoun’s family, the people of Odi community and the entire Ijaw nation, urging them to find comfort in the enduring legacy of a man whose service left a lasting impact on Nigeria.