By Hosea Parah

The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has expressed deep sorrow over the death of one of its founding Board of Trustees members and former Minister of Science and Technology, Professor Turner T. Isoun, describing his passing as a monumental loss to the Niger Delta, Nigeria, and the global scientific community.

In a statement issued by PANDEF National Chairman, Ambassador Dr. Godknows Boladei, OON, the organisation said Prof. Isoun died in Abuja on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at the age of 87.

The forum described the late scholar as a distinguished scientist, accomplished administrator, and patriotic statesman whose contributions to science, education, and national development left an enduring legacy.

According to PANDEF, Prof. Isoun enjoyed an illustrious career in research, teaching, and public service, serving in several strategic positions, including Special Adviser on Science and Technology to the Rivers State Government and the pioneer Vice Chancellor of the Rivers State University of Science and Technology, now Rivers State University, Port Harcourt.

The organisation also praised his tenure as Minister of Science and Technology under former President Olusegun Obasanjo, noting that he spearheaded landmark initiatives that transformed Nigeria’s science and technology sector.

Among the institutions credited to his leadership are the Nigerian Institute of Biotechnology, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), the Nigeria Communications Satellite (NIGCOMSAT), the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), and the Galaxy Backbone Technology Hub.

PANDEF further highlighted his academic accomplishments as a Fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Science and the African Academy of Sciences. He also founded the Wetland Centre research institute in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, served as the pioneer Chairman of the Bayelsa Education Trust Fund, and was a founding leader of the Rivers Study Group. He was honoured by the Federal Government with the national award of Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR).

The forum recalled that Prof. Isoun played a pivotal role in the establishment of PANDEF in 2016, particularly in drafting the organisation’s landmark 16-Point Agenda for the development of the Niger Delta, which was presented to former President Muhammadu Buhari on November 1, 2016.

It also noted that the late professor donated the Wetland Centre in Yenagoa to serve as PANDEF’s temporary National Secretariat, a facility that continues to serve the organisation to this day.

“PANDEF salutes his great national service and restates its commitment to keeping his legacy alive,” the statement read.

The organisation extended its heartfelt condolences to the Government and people of Bayelsa State, the people of Odi community, his wife of 60 years, Mrs. Miriam Isoun, and the entire Isoun family.

As a mark of respect, PANDEF directed all its branches across Nigeria and in the diaspora to observe a three-day mourning period beginning Tuesday, July 21, 2026.

The forum added that details of the funeral arrangements would be announced by the family in due course.

Professor Turner T. Isoun is remembered as one of Nigeria’s foremost scientists and a visionary leader whose pioneering contributions significantly shaped the country’s science, technology, education, and development landscape.