The passing of Professor Turner Timinepre Isoun, former Honourable Minister of Science and Technology of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, marks the departure of one of the nation’s most distinguished scholars and visionary leaders. His life was a tapestry of erudition, integrity, and service, woven into the fabric of Nigeria’s scientific and technological advancement.
I recall with nostalgia my first encounter with Professor Isoun shortly after joining the service of the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) as its Head of Media and Corporate Communication. On my assumption of office, the then DirectorGeneral of NASRDA, Professor Robert Ajayi Boroffice, personally took me to Professor Isoun’s office to introduce me. Professor Boroffice took time to brief him about my background as a multiple awardwinning journalist and former Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Governor of Ondo State.
Professor Isoun’s response was immediate and profound. He remarked that Ondo State was renowned for its intellectual prowess, and for me to have served successfully at a high level as Chief Press Secretary to the State Governor, I was indeed the right choice for NASRDA, particularly for the muchneeded publicity and public awareness of Nigeria’s space policy and programme. His words were both affirming and challenging, setting before me the enormous responsibility of projecting the agency’s vision to the nation and the world.
From that moment, Professor Isoun became closely interested in my work, tracking my activities as spokesperson of NASRDA. His encouragement was constant, and his commendations came swiftly whenever excellence was demonstrated. I vividly remember a documentary I produced on the then proposed launch of the Nigeria Communication Satellite (NigComSat1), featuring Professor Ajayi Boroffice, Dr. Ahmed Rufai (then Project Manager and later pioneer Managing Director of NigComSat limited), and Professor Isoun himself. The documentary was broadcast on selected television stations nationwide. Professor Isoun was visibly excited, and at a special NASRDA event at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, he publicly acknowledged the brilliance of the production, declaring that the contributions and potentials of NASRDA could now be clearly seen and heard.
That was Professor Isoun for you, an erudite scholar and distinguished man of excellence. He would go to any length to encourage, support, and acknowledge brilliance, particularly when he saw genuine commitment and contribution. He was a masterclass in integrity, a unique personality who gave his very best to make Nigeria’s space programme a success story. Today, that programme stands as a reference point in Africa and a model for developing nations, thanks in no small measure to his vision and leadership.
Professor Isoun was eloquent, intelligent, resourceful, and a man of class. His legacy as a digital philosopher and scientific statesman will forever loom large in Nigeria’s developmental history. He will be remembered as one of the finest Nigerians to have presided over the Ministry of Science and Technology, leaving behind enviable track records that continue to inspire.
His death is indeed a sad commentary, a great loss to Nigeria, Africa, and the global scientific community. Yet, his life remains a shining example of what it means to serve with distinction, to lead with vision, and to inspire with integrity.
Adieu, our mentor, emeritus professor, and great man of excellence. May your soul rest in perfect peace.
— Dr. Felix Babatunde Ale, multiple awardwinning journalist, leading science writer in Africa, and Director of Media and Corporate Communication, NASRDA.
