Early Life and Education

Professor Turner Timinipre Isoun was born on 2 September 1938 in Odi, Bayelsa State, to Mark Ebidi and Dali Amgbapu Isoun. He attended Okrika Grammar School and Hope Waddel Secondary Grammar School, Calabar, before earning a federal government scholarship to study in the United States. At Michigan State University, East Lansing, he distinguished himself academically, obtaining a Bachelor of Science degree in 1963, a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 1965, and a Doctor of Philosophy in 1970.

Academic Career and Institutional Leadership

Professor Isoun began his academic service at the University of Ibadan, Nigeria’s premier university, as a lecturer in the Department of Veterinary Pathology. He rose to become Head of Department and was appointed Professor in 1975. His leadership capacity led to his appointment as the pioneer Vice Chancellor of Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Port Harcourt, the first university of science and technology in Nigeria. Beyond Nigeria, he served as a Visiting Scientist at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the Bernard Nocht Institute of Tropical Medicine in Germany. He was a prolific researcher and was honoured as a Fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Science, the African Academy of Sciences, and the Nuffield Foundation.

Public Service and Nation Building

A dedicated statesman, Professor Isoun balanced scholarship with service to the nation. As Chairman of the Ijaw National Congress, Central Zone, he played a pivotal role in the advocacy and strategic mapping that led to the creation of Bayelsa State from the old Rivers State. He viewed regional empowerment as essential to national progress.

From October 2000 to May 2007, he served as Nigeria’s Federal Minister of Science and Technology under President Olusegun Obasanjo. He was a driving force behind Nigeria’s science, space, and ICT revolution. He spearheaded the establishment of the National Information Technology Development Agency, NITDA, to execute the nation’s IT policy. He was instrumental in the creation of Galaxy Backbone Plc to harmonize government communication and build a national broadband backbone. Under his leadership, Nigeria achieved major milestones in space technology with the launch of NigeriaSat 1 and Nigcomsat 1R.

Advocacy for the Niger Delta

Professor Isoun remained deeply committed to the development of the Niger Delta. In 1999 he chaired the Advisory Committee to the Bayelsa State Government. He later served as Chairman of the Niger Delta Wetlands Centre, NDWC, a non governmental organization focused on the conservation of natural resources, marine life, forests, and waterways. Through NDWC, he promoted pilot schemes in solar energy, capacity training, skills acquisition, computer training, plumbing, and boat mechanics in Port Harcourt, Finima, and Yenagoa to create jobs and opportunities for young people.

He was a clear voice on resource control and true federalism. To him, resource control meant justice and the right of resource owning communities to benefit and pay taxes, in line with practices in federations such as the United States. He believed governance was a relay race and consistently called for patience, continuity, and collective effort in nation building.

Family, Values, and Legacy

Professor Isoun was married for over five decades to Mrs. Miriam Jean Isoun, nee Forbes. Together they co authored the book Why Run Before Learning to Walk. Their union was blessed with six children, four boys and two girls, and grandchildren.

He lived a life of purpose, marked by excellence, humility, and service. Professor Turner Timinipre Isoun passed peacefully on 15 July 2026 at the age of 87. He is remembered as a veterinary pathologist, academician, administrator, and Fourth Republic politician who built institutions, shaped policy, and inspired generations.

Bio Source

• Family Press Release and Public Records, July 2026